Roget`s Thesaurus of Words for Writers

Transcription

ROGET’S THESAURUS
of WORDS for Writers
3/1316
Over 2,300 Emotive,
Evocative,
Descriptive Synonyms,
Antonyms, & Related Terms
EVERY WRITER
SHOULD KNOW
DAVID OLSEN, MICHELLE
BEVILACQUA,
JUSTIN CORD HAYES, AND ROBERT
BLY
Avon, Massachusetts
Contents
Title Page
Introduction
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
5/1316
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Copyright
Introduction
All writers, from time to time, need a reference source—a place we can go to find
the term that will fit just right into our
writing. Whether it’s romance, mystery,
science fiction, or adventure, the right
word in the right place can make a huge
difference.
That’s where this thesaurus comes in.
The object of Roget’s Thesaurus of Words
for Writers is not only to give you an array
of terms related to common words; unlike
a standard thesaurus, it’s also intended to
show you how these words are used in
sentences, whether made-up examples or
quotations from well-known sources. The
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words selected here are ones we use as
writers: expressive, nuanced, and creative—as well as a bit unusual.
For each key word you’ll find a list of
related words sorted by their part of
speech: adjectives, adverbs, nouns, verbs,
and antonyms. Go through them until you
find the one best suited to the sentence
you’re crafting. As you do so, you’ll be
building your word skills and making
yourself a better writer.
As a creative person working with
words, you respect their importance. You
know the pleasure of finding just the right
phrase, of contemplating it for a moment
on the screen of your computer before
moving on. There’s an almost physical
thrill from listening to a piece of great
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writing in which every word is like a note
in a symphony, all sounding in harmony.
You also know that writing is like fine
china: A single misplaced word, a turn of
phrase that stumbles, and suddenly your
work is in pieces at your feet, and you’ve
got to begin the painful process of picking
it up and putting it back together.
For the most part, the words we use are
formed by who we are. Our vocabulary
grows and is shaped by our interactions
with family and friends, by our education,
and by the books we read. The broader
your erudition, the more versatile will be
your word usage. As well, your writing will
grow stronger, and your words will have
more power to move your readers.
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Just as a carpenter has his or her box of
tools, so as a writer you have tools you use
in pursuit of your trade. This thesaurus is
such a tool. Use it to keep your vocabulary
finely honed and you can expect to excel at
your craft.
A
1. Abuse
(uh-BYOOZ), verb
To use insulting, harsh, or unjust language
to or about; to use improperly, misuse; to
harm by treating badly; to treat in an
offensive way.
ADJECTIVES
contumelious (kon-too-MEE-lee-us).
Insolently humiliating and abusive; contemptuous; insulting.
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The defendant passively endured the prosecutor’s CONTUMELIOUS speech.
opprobrious (uh-PRO-bree-us). Abusive;
disrespectful.
Martha was caught off guard by her
friend’s sudden OPPROBRIOUS attack on
her behavior of the previous night.
scurrilous (SKUR-ih-luss). Offensive to
civilized discourse; verbally abusive; vulgar; coarse; slanderous.
Because they were made on the floor of
the Senate, the senator’s SCURRILOUS
accusations against me were protected,
but if he should dare to repeat them in
another setting, I will sue him for every
penny he’s worth.
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truculent (TRUK-yu-lent). Rude; mean;
scathingly harsh.
He knew the play was not his best, but
James was not prepared for the
TRUCULENT reviews by all the critics.
virulent (VEER-yuh-lent). Poisonously
or intensely hostile.
Marla’s VIRULENT words were meant to
hurt her sister deeply.
vitriolic (vit-ree-AWL-ik). Acidic; harsh;
caustic.
McCarthy’s VITRIOLIC attacks on organizations with no actual Communist ties
went completely unchallenged in the
Senate.
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vituperative (vie-TOO-per-uh-tive).
Scathing and harshly abusive, as criticism.
You can’t hide your VITUPERATIVE
attack behind a few surface pleasantries!
NOUNS
invective (in-VEK-tiv). Criticism or negative observations expressed in the
strongest, harshest possible terms.
“The art of INVECTIVE resembles the art
of boxing. Very few fights are won with
the straight left. It is too obvious, and it
can be too easily countered.”—Gilbert
Highet, Scottish-born American biographer and essayist
obloquy (OB-luh-kwee). Censure or
verbal abuse of a person, especially by
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many people or the public; public
discredit.
There appears to be no end to the number
of celebrities whose activities result in
dramatic and lengthy OBLOQUY.
VERBS
revile (rih-VILE). To curse or abuse in
harsh language.
Realizing that he was REVILED by those
opposing his stand on the military
buildup, the senator decided to cancel his
appearance at the campus.
ANTONYMS
extol (eks-TOLE). To praise with great
enthusiasm.
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William has not ceased to EXTOL the virtues of his new girlfriend.
laud (LAWD). Commend; praise.
Rebecca loves her history teacher and
LAUDS him constantly.
See also: Criticize
2. Achievement
(uh-CHEEV-muhnt), noun
Something accomplished, especially by
skill, work, courage, etc.; feat; exploit; a
great deed.
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ADJECTIVES
venerable (VEN-er-uh-bull). Respected
and revered, especially due to achievement, intelligence, or character.
After many years of performing to the
highest standards, our orchestra has
achieved a VENERABLE reputation.
NOUNS
accomplishment (uh-KOM-plishmuhnt). Something successfully
completed.
To the casual observer it was just a sidewalk, but Simon was proud of his
ACCOMPLISHMENT.
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attainment (uh-TAYN-muhnt). An
achievement.
“I declare, on my soul and conscience,
that the ATTAINMENT of power, or of a
great name in literature, seemed to me an
easier victory than a success with some
young, witty, and gracious lady of high
degree.”—Honoré de Balzac, French
novelist
capstone (CAP-stone). A crowning
achievement; a finishing touch; originally,
a protective stone at the top of an arch.
When she won the Pulitzer Prize for her
last novel, it was the CAPSTONE to a
long and distinguished literary career.
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eminence (EM-ih-nence). Superiority or
outstanding notability; having great
achievements or high rank.
Doctor Powers’s EMINENCE as a surgeon is well known.
fruition (froo-ISH-un). That which has
arisen from development, possession, use,
or effort; the achievement of something
desired or labored for.
The novel was, in a sense, the FRUITION
of a lifetime of work for Melville.
masterpiece (MAS-ter-peece). A person’s greatest work; achievement of a
lifetime.
“When love and skill work together,
expect a MASTERPIECE.”—John Ruskin,
English art critic
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ANTONYMS
debacle (dih-BAH-kull). Utter collapse or
rout; a complete (often ludicrous) failure.
The initiative seemed promising enough,
but turned out to be another of George’s
DEBACLES.
3. Aggrandize
(uh-GRAN-dyz), verb
To exaggerate, put on a false front, and
make something look greater and grander
than it really is.
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ADJECTIVES
bumptious (BUMP-shuss). Loud and
assertive in a crude way.
The club’s golf pro was fired due to his
BUMPTIOUS behavior on the links.
faux (FOH). Fake; phony; artificial.
She wore a cheap second-hand dress and
a FAUX pearl necklace made out of white
beads.
ostentatious (ah-sten-TAY-shuss). Pretentious; presented in a showy manner so
as to impress others; meant to flaunt one’s
wealth or success.
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“The man who is OSTENTATIOUS of his
modesty is twin to the statue that wears a
fig-leaf.”—Mark Twain
unbridled (un-BRY-duld). Without limitations or boundaries; uncontrolled and
unrestrained.
The customer’s UNBRIDLED fury at
being denied a refund was a sight to
behold.
vainglorious (vayn-GLOR-ee-us). Conceited; boastful; prone to showing off and
bragging.
Although the scion of a well-established
family, Gordon is so VAINGLORIOUS
that you’d think him a parvenu!
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NOUNS
façade (fuh-SOD). The front of a building; a deceptive appearance masking a
thing’s true nature.
“A good man often appears gauche
simply because he does not take advantage of the myriad mean little chances of
making himself look stylish. Preferring
truth to form, he is not constantly at
work upon the FAÇADE of his appearance.”—Iris Murdoch, Irish writer and
philosopher
hyperbole (high-PER-buh-lee). An overexaggeration made for effect.
“The final key to the way I promote is
bravado. I play to people’s fantasies.
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People may not always think big themselves, but they can still get very excited
by those who do. That’s why a little
HYPERBOLE never hurts.”—Donald
Trump, American entrepreneur
jactitation (jak-ti-TAY-shun). A false
boast, especially one that is harmful to
others.
Beatrice tried impress her classmates by
telling them her last name was Kennedy.
However, her JACTITATION was discovered and her peers returned to ignoring her.
VERBS
bloviate (BLOH-vee-ayt). To speak pompously and at length.
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Maxwell BLOVIATES about his
“excellent” golf game, but everyone
knows he cheats outrageously.
ANTONYMS
diffident (DIFF-ih-dent). Uncertain or
unsure about making a decision or taking
an action; lacking confidence and
boldness.
If you feel DIFFIDENT about driving a
Rolls-Royce, you can always buy a
Bentley.
laconic (luh-KAWN-ik). Of few words;
expressing oneself with an economy of
words.
Harold may be LACONIC, but when he
does speak, he is worth listening to.
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4. Agree
(uh-GREE), verb
To consent or concede; to be in harmony;
to have the same opinion; to come to an
understanding.
ADJECTIVES
amenable (ah-MEE-nah-bull). Agreeable
to the wishes and desires of others.
Mark considers himself AMENABLE, but
the rest of us just think he’s a pushover.
complaisant (kuhm-PLAY-zuhnt).
Agreeable and eager to please.
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Eleanor is far too COMPLAISANT with
common strangers.
conciliatory (kon-SILL-ee-ah-tore-ee).
Reconciling; able to settle a dispute or
resolve a conflict in a manner that leaves
no hard feelings on either side.
“If you are not very clever, you should be
CONCILIATORY.”—Benjamin Disraeli,
British statesmen and literary figure
palatable (PAL-uh-tuh-bull). Agreeable;
acceptable.
You have two options, Mr. Mayor,
neither very PALATABLE.
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NOUNS
accord (uh-KORD). Official agreement or
treaty; harmony.
After a prolonged strike, with the issue of
healthcare benefits resolved, the representatives finally reached an ACCORD
acceptable to both labor and
management.
appeasement (uh-PEEZ-ment). The act
of making others happy by agreeing to
their demands.
Charlene realized too late that her policy
of APPEASEMENT might please Warren,
but it would not cause him to treat her
with more respect.
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assent (uh-SENT). Agreement that an
opinion, view, or proposal is correct;
corroboration.
You forget, Mr. Jameson, that it is only
with the ASSENT of the stockholders that
the CEO can be ousted.
collusion (kuh-LOO-zhun). A conspiratorial or secret understanding or agreement entered into for an illicit or
fraudulent end.
The leaders were arraigned on price
COLLUSION in violation of antitrust
laws.
conspiracy (kun-SPEER-uh-see). A
treacherous plan involving two or more
persons; an agreement among
conspirators.
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Your contention that Bill and Hillary
Clinton were part of a CONSPIRACY to
assassinate Vincent Foster amounts to
what, in an earlier day, would have been
called seditious libel, Mr. Oliver.
VERBS
accede (ak-SEED). To give consent or
approval.
The college president eventually
ACCEDED to the demands of the student
demonstrators.
acquiesce (ak-wee-ESS). To accept or
consent silently without protest or
enthusiasm.
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When he saw the policeman approach
with his gun drawn, the bandit
ACQUIESCED to his arrest.
mollify (MOL-uh-fye). To soothe, soften
in temper; pacify; appease.
The umpire’s attempts to MOLLIFY the
two screaming managers with some
risqué humor were to no avail.
pacify (PASS-uh-fye). To appease; bring
to a state of peace or calm; tranquilize.
Her suggestion that she offer a written
apology to the offended client seemed to
PACIFY Mr. Peters.
placate (PLAY-kayt). To reduce the anger
of; appease.
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Although the company was unable to
raise wages, it did make an effort to
PLACATE the union by extending the
afternoon coffee break.
ANTONYMS
dissension (dih-SEN-shun). Disagreement, especially among people in a group.
New rules favoring older members of the
club caused great DISSENSION and a
fracturing of long-standing alliances.
5. Alone
(uh-LOHN), adjective, adverb
Apart from anything and anyone else; separate; within nothing more; only; solitary.
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ADJECTIVES
monastic (muh-NAS-tik). Relating to the
practice of withdrawing from society to
live a quiet, contemplative life, often dedicated to religious faith.
Saint Pachomius founded the first organized Christian MONASTIC community.
NOUNS
monophobia (mon-uh-FOE-bee-uh). An
abnormal dread of being alone.
Al’s MONOPHOBIA has gotten much
worse since the death of his wife.
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recluse (REK-loos). A person who lives
apart from society, or in seclusion, often
for religious contemplation.
When Jim reaches a certain age, his solitary lifestyle might brand him as a hermit,
but for now he considers himself a
RECLUSE.
VERBS
disenfranchise (dis-en-FRAN-chyz). To
deny someone a right or privilege; to
make someone feel rejected and apart.
Often specifically applied to voting rights.
“Some states specify felonies that condemn the citizen to
DISENFRANCHISEMENT for
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life.”—Andrew Hacker, American political scientist
immure (ih-MYOOR). To confine,
imprison, or enclose behind walls.
Whitney remained IMMURED in her
room as she pondered the itinerary for
her luxury vacation to Italy.
prescind (pree-SIND). To detach, separate, or isolate; to cut off, terminate.
Working on the latest project has made
me want to PRESCIND my thoughts from
all contact with the team.
sequester (see-KWESS-ter). To remove
and isolate a portion from a larger whole.
“A great deal of genetic engineering must
be done before we have carbon-eaters
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SEQUESTERING carbon in sufficient
quantity to counteract the burning of
fossil fuels.”—Freeman Dyson, Englishborn American physicist and
mathematician
ANTONYMS
gregarious (grih-GAIR-ee-us). Enjoying
the company of other people, sociable.
“We are easy to manage, a
GREGARIOUS people, / Full of sentiment,
clever at mechanics, and we love our luxuries.”—Robinson Jeffers, American poet
See also: Eliminate, Isolated
6. Ambiguity
(am-bih-GYOO-ih-tee), noun
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Uncertainty; lack of clear definition.
ADJECTIVES
amorphous (ah-MORE-fis). Without
definite shape, substance, or form; lacking
definition and boundaries.
“Of course the illusion of art is to make
one believe that great literature is very
close to life, but exactly the opposite is
true. Life is AMORPHOUS, literature is
formal.”—Françoise Sagan, French novelist and playwright
enigmatic (en-ig-MATT-ik). Mysterious,
puzzling, and difficult to figure out.
“The interest in life does not lie in what
people do, nor even in their relations to
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each other, but largely in the power to
communicate with a third party, antagonistic, ENIGMATIC, yet perhaps persuadable, which one may call life in
general.”—Virginia Woolf, British essayist and novelist
nebulous (NEB-yoo-luss). Vague and not
well thought out; ill-defined; lacking
concretes.
Jay’s plans for what he would do when he
graduated from college were NEBULOUS
at best.
opaque (oh-PAYK). Hard to understand;
obscure.
“The bottom of being is left logically
OPAQUE to us, as something which we
simply come upon and find, and about
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which (if we wish to act) we should pause
and wonder as little as possible.”
—William James, American psychologist
and philosopher
NOUNS
zelig (ZEH-lig). A chameleonlike person
who seems omnipresent.
The parvenus try so hard to be ZELIGS,
blending in seamlessly at our functions,
but we can always spot them for the
intruders they are.
VERBS
misconstrue (miss-kuhn-STROO). To
misinterpret or to take in a wrong sense.
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The disagreement over the price of the
yacht was due merely to the fact that
David MISCONSTRUED the terms of the
offer.
vacillate (VASS-uh-layt). To swing back
and forth between two points.
“But modern character is inconstant,
divided, VACILLATING, lacking the
stone-like certitude of archaic
man….”—Saul Bellow, American author
ANTONYMS
mot juste (MOW-zhoost). The perfect
word or phrase to communicate precisely
what you mean to say.
40/1316
Years of elocution lessons have left
Paulina capable of leavening every occasion with a suitable MOT JUSTE.
7. Angry
(ANG-gree), adjective
Feeling, showing, or resulting from anger,
strong resentment, or wrath.
ADJECTIVES
acrimonious (ak-rih-MOAN-ee-us). Bitter or caustic, especially in language or
manner; disputed.
“There is something about the literary life
that repels me, all this desperate building
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of castles on cobwebs, the long-drawn
ACRIMONIOUS struggle to make
something important which we all know
will be gone forever in a few years…”
—Raymond Chandler, American author
apoplectic (ap-uh-PLECK-tik). In an
extremely agitated state of rage.
Emily’s careless event planning makes
me APOPLECTIC, and I just want to step
in and plan the luncheon myself.
fractious (FRAK-shuss). Easily angered
or irritable; quarrelsome; unruly.
In movies of a certain vintage, the local
police were always portrayed as
FRACTIOUS.
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livid (LIHV-id). Enraged or extremely
angry.
Jennifer was LIVID when we suggested
that her new outfit was out of date.
NOUNS
cholers (KOH-lers). The mood of anger,
irritability, grumpiness, or being shorttempered and impatient.
When Franklin is in the grip of
CHOLERS, even his closest friends avoid
his table at the club.
ANTONYMS
placid (PLASS-id). Calm; peaceful;
serene.
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In contrast to my excitable and angry
father, my mother was always PLACID
and able to keep the peace in our
household.
8. Animals
(AN-uh-muhls), noun
Any living organisms capable of locomotion but not of making their own food
by photosynthesis; distinguished from
plants; members of the kingdom
Animalia.
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ADJECTIVES
anthropomorphic (an-thruh-puhMOOR-fik). Attributing human characteristics to animals.
Children’s literature, and much adult
fantasy, is filled with
ANTHROPOMORPHIC animals.
aquiline (ACK-wuh-line). Resembling an
eagle or curving like an eagle’s beak.
Neil wasn’t sure that it was a compliment
when Julie described his features as
AQUILINE.
bovine (BO-vine). Of or resembling a cow
or ox; dull.
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The hardest part of teaching high school
for me has been getting used to the look of
BOVINE submissiveness on most of my
students’ faces.
leonine (LEE-uh-nine). Having characteristics of a lion.
Ben’s LEONINE mane of hair makes most
of his girlfriends jealous.
lupine (LOO-pine). Like a wolf; savage
and predatory.
Sid’s LUPINE behavior makes you feel
like you should go home and take a
shower after you’ve been around him for
a little while.
ophidian (oh-FIDD-ee-un). Of snakes or
snakelike; dishonest or mean-spirited.
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The lawyer’s OPHIDIAN eyes made me
second-guess myself with every question
he asked.
ovine (OH-vine). Characteristic of sheep.
The earliest classes at school were
marked by the OVINE migration of students to lecture halls.
oviparous (oh-VIP-er-uss). Producing
eggs that mature and hatch after being
deposited outside the body, as birds, most
reptiles, and fishes.
Because they are unprotected much of the
time, eggs of OVIPAROUS animals often
have a tough and leathery shell.
ovoviviparous (oh-voh-vye-VIP-er-uss).
Producing eggs that are hatched within
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the mother’s body so that the young are
born alive, as certain reptiles and fishes.
It seems as if OVOVIVIPAROUS animals
couldn’t decide whether to lay eggs or
produce live young.
porcine (PORE-sine). Reminiscent of,
resembling, or pertaining to a pig.
Mike’s constant description of his
heavyset blind date as “my PORCINE
companion” may have had something to
do with her early departure from the
party.
simian (SIM-ee-uhn). Characteristic of
or pertaining to apes or monkeys.
Taking care of the children for the day
was fun, even if their SIMIAN antics
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resulted in a lot of misunderstandings
and tears.
ursine (UR-sine). Characteristic of bears.
Mr. Hess was so glad to see me that he
ran across the hall and gave me a fierce
(I might say URSINE!) embrace.
viviparous (vye-VIP-er-uss). Producing
live young instead of eggs, as mammals
and some reptiles and fishes.
The young of VIVIPAROUS animals
require a long period of care before they
can survive on their own.
vulpine (VUHL-pine). Like a fox; cunning or crafty.
49/1316
My son’s VULPINE grin let me know he
was up to something of which I would not
approve.
zoomorphic (zoh-uh-MOOR-fik). Pertaining to a deity or other being conceived
of in animal form or with animal features.
Some cultures worshipped
ZOOMORPHIC beings that had special
qualities.
NOUNS
fauna (FAW-nuh). The animal population of a particular region or time period.
According to this article, the FAUNA of
Australia include more marsupials than
are found on any other continent.
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marsupial (mar-SOOP-ee-uhl). A mammal that carries its young in a pouch on
the outside of her body, where the baby
continues to develop.
The kangaroo is the best-known
MARSUPIAL, but wombats also carry
their babies in a pouch.
ANTONYMS
herbaceous (hur-BAY-shuss). Characteristic of an herb; plantlike.
Some wines can have an HERBACEOUS
odor and a taste that is quite
disagreeable.
9. Annoy
(uh-NOY), verb
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To irritate or bother, as by a repeated
action; to make angry.
ADJECTIVES
irascible (ih-RASS-uh-bull). Easily irritated or annoyed; prone to losing one’s
temper; quick to anger.
“I have never known anyone worth a
damn who wasn’t IRASCIBLE.”
—Ezra Pound, American expatriate poet
niggling (NIG-ling). Petty; annoying.
I could usually deal with my roommate’s
NIGGLING complaints about hairs in the
sink and my forgetting to take out the
trash, but I was in no mood for it today.
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officious (oh-FISH-us). Asserting
authority or power in an obnoxious, overbearing, or pompous manner.
“There is immunity in reading, immunity
in formal society, in office routine, in the
company of old friends and in the giving
of OFFICIOUS help to strangers, but
there is no sanctuary in one bed from the
memory of another.”
—Cyril Connolly, British literary critic
and writer
NOUNS
gadfly (GAD-fly). A fly that bites livestock; also, a person who annoys, irritates,
or provokes.
53/1316
With his constant grumbling and irritating habits, Morton has turned into the
GADFLY of our department.
vexation (vek-SAY-shun). Frustration,
annoyance, or irritation resulting from
some action, occurrence, or statement.
“There is not much less VEXATION in the
government of a private family than in
the managing of an entire state.”
—Michel de Montaigne, Renaissance
scholar
VERBS
glower (GLOU-ur). To give a brooding,
annoyed, or angry look.
Mark hoped GLOWERING at our mother
would convey that he didn’t appreciate
54/1316
her telling his new girlfriend how difficult
he had been to toilet train, but Mom
didn’t seem to notice.
nettle (NET-uhl). To provoke, irritate, or
annoy.
“The comic spirit is given to us in order
that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify
things in us which NETTLE us, or which
we are outgrowing, or trying to
reshape.”—Thornton Wilder, American
playwright and novelist
ANTONYMS
affable (AF-uh-bull). Pleasant and polite;
agreeable; warm.
No one we knew had a more AFFABLE
personality than Grace, and we always
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enjoyed being in her company no matter
the occasion.
common strangers.
10. Answer
(AN-ser), verb
To reply to a question, argument, letter,
etc.; to respond in kind; to retaliate.
NOUNS
acknowledgment (ak-NOL-ij-muhnt). A
recognition and expression of receipt.
56/1316
June always sent a formal
ACKNOWLEDGMENT in answer to any
invitation.
rejoinder (rih-JOIN-der). A clever or
witty reply to a question or comment.
Lydia’s often catty REJOINDERS quickly
made her the bane of our group.
riposte (rih-POST). A quick, often witty
or cutting, response to a comment or
question.
Eileen was unable to offer one of her
usual RIPOSTES when we decried her
decision to eschew the season’s fashion.
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VERBS
countervail (KOWN-tur-VAIL). To use
equal force against; to compensate.
The challenger hit the champion with two
quick left jabs and a right uppercut, but
the champion COUNTERVAILED with a
left hook.
rebut (ree-BUT). To provide a reply that
opposes a position.
Bill never simply answered questions; he
saw them as opportunities to REBUT
other peoples’ opinions.
reciprocate (rih-SIP-ruh-kayt). To give
or act in turn following the lead of
another; to reply with a courtesy, gift, or
example from another.
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Mr. Powers has shown evidence that he
wants to end the feud; the least you can
do is RECIPROCATE.
refute (ree-FYOOT). To produce evidence or proof that an argument is incorrect; to deny the truth or accuracy of
something.
My lawyer could REFUTE his own existence if necessary.
retort (rih-TORT). To reply in a sharp,
retaliatory manner.
Carl had to bite back a sharp RETORT
when Sallee criticized the couture gown
his mother wore to the soiree.
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ANTONYMS
inquisitorial (in-kwiz-ih-TOR-ee-uhl).
Having the nature of an investigator;
extremely curious; inquisitive.
As Nick was growing up, he would face
an INQUISITORIAL confrontation with
his mother every time he came home late.
11. Anxiety
(ang-ZY-uh-tee), noun
A state of unease, apprehension, or
misgiving.
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ADJECTIVES
frenetic (fruh-NET-ik). Frantic and
frenzied.
“I love my work with a FRENETIC and
perverse love, as an ascetic loves the hair
shirt which scratches his belly.”—Gustave
Flaubert, French writer
NOUNS
angst (ANGKST). A feeling of anxiety,
dread, or anguish.
Carolyn’s self-doubts caused her much
ANGST prior to the meeting with her
potential in-laws.
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apprehension (ap-ruh-HEN-shun).
Uneasiness about the future; suspicion of
impending bad fortune.
A vague feeling of APPREHENSION
came over Gordon as he stepped into the
old house.
compunction (kuhm-PUNGK-shun).
Anxiety caused by regret for doing another
harm.
Thomas never feels COMPUNCTION for
the bruises he leaves on the lacrosse field.
inquietude (in-KWY-ih-tood). A state of
disturbance; restlessness; uneasiness.
Amy’s INQUIETUDE at the prospect of
going to school made her feel physically
sick.
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solicitude (suh-LIS-ih-tood). The state
of being concerned and anxious.
The number of comments on the local
blog indicated the town’s growing
SOLICITUDE over a possible increase in
property taxes.
trepidation (trep-ih-DAY-shun). A state
of fear or agitation.
At first, I approached the task of writing
this book with some TREPIDATION.
VERBS
disquiet (dis-KWY-it). To make anxious,
restless, or uneasy; disturb.
The absolute silence of the forest would
DISQUIET anyone.
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ANTONYMS
aplomb (uh-PLOM). Self-possession;
assurance; poise.
Even under conditions that would make
the most resolute among us anxious,
Ralph’s APLOMB was intact.
certitude (SUR-ti-tood). Absence of
doubt; assurance.
For the first time in his college career,
Arthur had studied sufficiently for the
exam and walked to class with a pleasant
feeling of CERTITUDE.
12. Appropriate
(ah-PRO-pree-it), adjective
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Fitting or suitable for a particular purpose; proper; especially compatible.
ADJECTIVES
apposite (APP-uh-zit). Relevant, pertinent, or appropriate to a given situation.
Your objections are extremely APPOSITE,
but I wish you would let me finish
describing my plan before you shoot it
full of holes!
apt (APT). Suitable for the purpose or
occasion; fitting.
Roger could always be counted on to
provide an APT comment, whatever the
occasion.
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concinnous (kon-SIN-us). Characterized
by a harmonious arrangement of parts; a
congruous style especially in literary
works.
Peter found the CONCINNOUS expressions of baroque symphonies particularly
pleasing and satisfying.
condign (kon-DINE). Fitting, suitable;
deserved: used especially in connection
with punishment for wrongdoing.
Twenty years at hard labor was a perfectly CONDIGN punishment for Bill’s
vicious crime.
de rigueur (duh-rih-GUR). Conforming
to current standards of behavior, fashion,
style, and etiquette.
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A two-carat diamond engagement ring
that cost a young man a year’s salary
was DE RIGUEUR for proposing to a girl
in the 1950s.
felicitous (fih-LISS-ih-tuss). Well suited
for a particular occasion.
“O to be a dragon / a symbol of the power
of Heaven—of silkworm / size or
immense; at times invisible. FELICITOUS
phenomenon!”—Marianne Moore,
Modernist American poet and writer
germane (jer-MANE). Relevant, pertinent, and fitting.
“Quotes from Mao, Castro, and Che
Guevara… are as GERMANE to our
highly technological, computerized society as a stagecoach on a jet runway at
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Kennedy airport.”—Saul Alinksy, American activist
ADVERBS
apropos (ap-rih-POE). Appropriate, or at
an opportune time.
Charlie began screaming the words “Too
late! Too late!” APROPOS of nothing.
NOUNS
decorum (dih-COR-um). Social propriety; dignified conduct.
Though the delegates were extremely
frustrated at the chairman’s move, they
betrayed no emotion, and strict
DECORUM was observed in the meeting
hall.
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ANTONYMS
aberrant (AB-uh-runt). Abandoning the
correct, expected, or proper way of doing
things; straying from the “right” or norm.
Alice’s decision to quit college and tour
the country on a motorcycle seemed so
ABERRANT to her parents that they
asked her to get a psychiatric evaluation.
gratuitous (grah-TOO-ih-tuss). Unnecessary; inappropriately excessive;
uncalled for.
“Being accused of making money by
selling sex in Hollywood, home of the
casting couch and the GRATUITOUS
nude scene, is so rich with irony that it’s a
better subject for a comic novel than a
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column.”—Anna Quindlen, American
author and opinion columnist
impropriety (im-pro-PRY-ih-tee).
Something that has the quality of being
improper.
Beverly’s minor IMPROPRIETY at the
dinner table was overlooked; the conversation turned quickly to other topics.
incongruous (in-KONG-groo-us).
Describes something that does not belong
in its current place, setting, or role; out of
place; not fitting in.
“The taste for quotations (and for the juxtaposition of INCONGRUOUS quotations) is a Surrealist taste.”—Susan
Sontag, American literary theorist, philosopher, and political activist
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solecism (SOLL-ih-siz-um). Something
that deviates from the normal, accepted,
or proper order; inconsistency.
She told her husband not to worry, that
forgetting a host’s name was only a
minor SOLECISM and certainly nothing
to be concerned about.
unseemly (un-SEEM-ly). Inappropriate;
unbecoming.
The family felt that Bill’s presence at the
memorial service would have been
UNSEEMLY, as he had been my sister-inlaw’s bitterest business rival.
unsuitable (un-SOO-tuh-bull). Not suitable, inappropriate; unfitting.
“This mode of electioneering suited
neither my taste nor my principles. I
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thought it equally UNSUITABLE to my
personal character and to the station in
which I am placed.”—John Quincy
Adams, American president
13. Approval
(uh-PROOV-uhl), noun
The act of approving; a favorable attitude
or opinion; consent; sanction.
NOUNS
approbation (ap-ruh-BAY-shun). Official approval or commendation.
“In a virtuous and free state, no rewards
can be so pleasing to sensible minds, as
those which include the APPROBATION
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of our fellow citizens. My great pain is,
lest my poor endeavours should fall short
of the kind expectations of my country.”—Thomas Jefferson
commendation (komm-uhn-DAYshun). Something that commends; a
recommendation; approval; praise.
For bravery beyond the call, Jones
received an official COMMENDATION at
the ceremony.
imprimatur (im-pruh-MAW-ter). Sanction; approval, usually by the Roman
Catholic Church, to publish a book.
After directing several revisions of the
controversial book’s text, the Church
finally gave its IMPRIMATUR.
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VERBS
acclaim (uh-KLAYM). To greet with loud
and boisterous approval; applaud.
Not content with applause and shouts of
joy, the citizens would ACCLAIM the dictator by firing rifles into the air.
countenance (KOUN-tih-nunce). To
indicate approval of, to sanction.
I’m afraid I can’t COUNTENANCE your
dangerous exploits, so please take me
home.
ANTONYMS
askance (uh-SKANTS). With suspicion,
mistrust, or disapproval; with an oblique
look at an object, person, or situation.
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I looked ASKANCE at Philip when he left
the store without paying for his bubble
gum.
stigmatize (STIG-muh-tyz). To mark or
describe something in a way that shows
disgrace or strong disapproval.
Many people with AIDS find that coping
with the physical trauma of their disease
is only part of their difficulty; another
part is being STIGMATIZED by others as
somehow deserving of punishment.
See also: Help, Support
14. Argue
(AR-gyoo), verb
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To present reasons for or against a proposal, proposition, etc.; to dispute or contend something with or against another
person.
ADJECTIVES
bellicose (BELL-ih-kohss). Belligerent,
surly, ready to argue or fight at the slightest provocation.
Doug is so touchy about his new car that
he’ll instantly turn BELLICOSE if you so
much as brush against it.
contentious (kuhn-TEN-shuss). Having
the tendency to argue; quarrelsome; characterized by dispute or controversy.
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I walked away when the discussion
heated up and became too
CONTENTIOUS.
dialectical (die-uh-LEK-tih-kul). Having
to do with logical arguments.
Paul employed a DIALECTICAL thoroughness to destroy an opponent’s
argument.
eristic (ur-ISS-tik). Characterized by
argument or controversy with often subtle
and superficial reasoning.
Henry tried to understand, but Martha’s
ERISTIC explanation left him as clueless
as he had been before she started
speaking.
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pugnacious (pug-NAY-shuss). Always
wanting to argue and debate every last
thing; quarrelsome.
Teenagers are PUGNACIOUS by nature:
if I say “no,” he invariably asks “why?”
NOUNS
imbroglio (im-BRO-lee-oh). An involved
and confusing or bitter disagreement, as
between persons or nations.
Our inability to decide which New Year’s
Eve party to attend created an
IMBROGLIO that disrupted our social
calendar for months.
logomachy (low-GOM-uh-kee). An argument or dispute distinguished by the
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incorrect or reckless use of words; meaningless battle of words.
One of the primary sources of entertainment during election season is the candidates’ LOGOMACHY.
polemic (puh-LEM-ik). An aggressive
argument against or refutation of the
opinions of another; a person who argues
in opposition to another; controversialist.
“He had a strong will and a talent for
POLEMIC.”—Saul Bellow, American
author
sophistry (SOFF-iss-tree). A seemingly
convincing argument that is logically
flawed.
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I believe this jury is too sophisticated to
be taken in by the SOPHISTRIES the
defense has offered.
VERBS
controvert (KON-truh-vert). To oppose
with logical reasoning; to dispute or
contradict.
No matter how many attempts the
defense makes to CONTROVERT the
details of this sequence of events, the fact
remains that the defendant was seen
leaving the building immediately after
the murder.
expostulate (ek-SPOSS-chuh-layt). To
reason earnestly with a person in
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opposition to something he has done or
intends to do.
I EXPOSTULATED with Nora about the
mistake I believed she was about to make,
but she was immutable.
oppugn (uh-PYOON). To reason against;
oppose with argument; call in question;
fight against.
Alice bridled easily and would OPPUGN
every judgment her boss made about her
work.
quibble (KWIB-ul). To argue over a
minor matter; to voice a niggling
objection.
If you are not 100 percent satisfied, your
money will promptly be refunded without
question or QUIBBLE.
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remonstrate (rih-MON-strayt). To
protest, object, or show disapproval.
When Carlotta REMONSTRATED our
snubbing of Julia, we simply began to
snub Carlotta as well.
ANTONYMS
incontestable (in-kuhn-TES-tuh-bull).
Inarguable because unquestionable.
The fact that Lloyd thinks his talent for
birdcalls will be found attractive by
women is INCONTESTABLE proof that
he will remain a lifelong bachelor.
indubitable (in-DOO-bih-tuh-bull).
Absolutely unquestionable and completely
beyond doubt.
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Warren’s confidence in his judgment is
INDUBITABLE, which is not to say that it
is warranted.
unimpeachable (un-ihm-PEE-chuhbull). Above reproach; impossible to discredit or slander.
Jason is not a great manager, but his
technical credentials are
UNIMPEACHABLE.
15. Arrogance
(AIR-uh-gunce), noun
Condition of unjustified pride or selfimportance.
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ADJECTIVES
fastuous (FASS-chew-us). Patronizing
and supercilious.
Despite her beauty, Jenny rarely got
asked out, due to her FASTUOUS
behavior.
haughty (HAW-tee). Snobbish and
disdainful.
“The HAUGHTY sommelier, with his
talismanic tasting cup and sometimes
irritating self-assurance, is perceived
more as the high priest of some arcane
rite than as a dining room functionary
paid to help you enjoy the evening.”
—Frank J. Prial, former New York Times
wine columnist
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imperious (im-PEER-ee-us). Selfimportant; dictatorial.
Mrs. Banks rushed around the kitchen,
issuing a series of IMPERIOUS commands to the cook.
presumptuous (pri-ZUMP-choo-us).
Too bold or forward; showing overconfidence; taking too much for granted; taking
liberties.
Michael was PRESUMPTUOUS in assuming on his first day that he would be
invited to board meetings.
supercilious (soo-per-SILL-ee-us). Having a low opinion of or contempt for others based on a belief in one’s superiority.
Too many get-rich-quick promoters
imbue their advertisements with a
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SUPERCILIOUS attitude toward the
wealth-seekers they profess to want to
help.
NOUNS
braggadocio (brag-uh-DOH-see-oh).
Empty boasting or bragging.
Eric claims he is a consummate wine connoisseur, but it is just BRAGGADOCIO.
jackanapes (JACK-uh-napes). An arrogant or impertinent person; especially, an
impudent young man.
If that JACKANAPES tells you to put his
photo on the book jacket one more time, it
will be the last day he works here as an
editor.
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ANTONYMS
unassuming (un-uh-SOOM-ing). Modest and unpretentious.
The Binghamtons just bought a lovely,
UNASSUMING starter home in the town
where their families live.
16. Art
(ARHT), noun
The ability to make things; creativeness;
the creative process applied to aesthetic
principles; the objects subject to aesthetic
standards; works of art including painting, sculpture, architecture, music, literature, drama, the dance, etc.
87/1316
NOUNS
art nouveau (ART noo-VOH). A popular
form of design that originated in the
1880s, characterized by wavy objects such
as flower stems, flowing hair, flames, etc.
That museum’s collection of ART
NOUVEAU jewelry is one of the town’s
best-kept secrets.
auteur (oh-TUR). A filmmaker who
establishes complete control and imposes
his distinctive style on a film.
“Miles is so caught up with being an
AUTEUR that he’s ruining the production!” Marla complained.
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avant-garde (uh-vahnt GARD). Relating
to the latest trends, especially in the world
of art; of a new or experimental nature.
As a sculptor, Milton found keeping pace
with the AVANT-GARDE both challenging and rewarding for his own work.
baroque (buh-ROKE). A style of art and
architecture originating in Italy in the
early seventeenth century and characterized by much ornamentation and curved
lines.
Paula decided not to buy the house
because she feared its BAROQUE decor
would make it a difficult resell.
chiaroscuro (kee-are-uh-SKURE-oh). A
pattern of light and dark (or light and
shadow) in a painting or literary work.
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The power of the painting comes from its
CHIAROSCURO, which seems to indicate
looming disaster.
expressionism (ex-PRESH-uh-niz-um).
An art movement with roots in the late
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries
in which external forms of reality are distorted as a means of communicating an
interior vision of the artist.
For Edvard Munch, whose painting The
Scream is perhaps the single most recognizable image of EXPRESSIONISM, the
themes of isolation and anxiety were of
paramount importance.
futurism (FYOO-chur-iz-um). An early
twentieth-century arts movement
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stressing the dynamics and movements of
the industrial age.
Jones was fascinated by early industrial
art; last semester he took a course on
FUTURISM.
genre (ZHAWN-ruh). A particular style
that characterizes a type of music, art, literature, film, etc.
Though their GENRE doesn’t make for
pleasant or easy reading, one has to
admire muckrakers like Upton Sinclair,
who aimed to bring about important
social reforms with their novels.
impressionism (im-PRESH-uh-nizum). An art movement of the late nineteenth century dedicated to reproducing
91/1316
the effect of light on objects, typically by
means of short brush strokes.
The painter and sculptor Edgar Degas
was one of the foremost practitioners of
IMPRESSIONISM.
Labanotation (la-beh-no-TAY-shun). A
nomenclature used to choreograph ballets, modern dance, and other performances so the dancers can follow the steps.
Even with the best-available
LABANOTATION, Walker was unable to
adequately perform a Viennese waltz at
Natasha’s coming-out party.
leitmotif (LIGHT-moe-teef). A recurring
theme in a musical or opera associated
with a particular character, situation, setting, etc.; a dominant theme.
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Ian’s LEITMOTIF is the smell of neverwashed and often-worn clothing.
libretto (li-BRET-oh). The text of a
musical work, such as a cantata or opera,
often accompanied by a translation.
As she is fluent in Italian, Maria rarely
needs to refer to the LIBRETTO when
attending the opera.
mimesis (mi-MEE-sis). Imitation or representation, especially of human speech,
behavior, etc.
The play’s MIMESIS made me temporarily forget I was watching actors.
minimalism (MIN-ih-mull-iz-um). A
school of art in which “less is
more”—clean and uncluttered paintings;
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sculpture with simple lines; fiction written
in a lean and spare style; music with
uncomplicated scores and minimal
instruments.
John Cage’s MINIMALIST composition
433 consists of four and a half minutes of
silence.
modernism (MOD-er-niz-um).
Describes a modern avant-garde style of
painting, sculpture, or architecture.
“Postmodernism is MODERNISM with
the optimism taken out.”—Robert
Hewison, British historian
montage (mon-TAHZH). A work of art
made up of a variety of visuals—photographs, film clips, etc.—brought together
to present an idea.
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The documentary’s excellent use of
MONTAGE really brought to life the triumphs and heartbreaks of World War II.
muse (MEWS). The source of one’s creative or artistic inspiration, named after the
mythical Greek Muses said to be patrons
of the fine arts.
“O for a MUSE of fire, that would ascend
/ The brightest heaven of invention.”
—William Shakespeare
pastiche (pah-STEESH). A piece of
music, writing, or art made up mostly of
material taken from existing sources.
Some folks consider hip-hop music nothing but mindless PASTICHE, but I heartily disagree.
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repertoire (REH-per-twahr). A library of
works that a group knows and regularly
performs.
The philharmonic’s REPERTOIRE
includes most of the classical standards
from Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and
Mozart.
rococo (ruh-KOH-koh). A style of architecture and design developed in France
from the baroque and characterized by
elaborate and profuse delicate
ornamentation.
Henry enjoys the elaborate shell designs
of ROCOCO art, although I consider it
excessively ornate.
surrealism (suh-REE-uh-liz-um). A
twentieth-century movement in art and
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literature that emphasized the subconscious or irrational nature of perceived
forms through the illogical placing and
presentation of subject matter.
Dali’s The Persistence of Memory, which
features the now-famous melting
watches, was immediately hailed as a
masterpiece of SURREALISM.
thespian (THESS-pee-un). An actor;
especially a person who performs onstage
in a play.
Sir Laurence Olivier was rightly
regarded as the most versatile
THESPIAN of his era.
tragedian (truh-JEE-dee-un). An actor
noted for performing tragic parts.
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Richard Burbage was the premier
TRAGEDIAN of the Elizabethan era.
triptych (TRIP-tik). A picture or carving
on three panels, or a set of three associated paintings or other works of art.
Scott wanted to buy just the center painting, but the gallery owner refused to
break up the TRIPTYCH.
trompe l’oeil (tromp LOY). An instance
of visual trickery, as, for instance, an
optical illusion giving the impression of
three dimensions in a two-dimensional
artistic medium.
The painter specialized in TROMPE
L’OEIL murals that often fooled passersby into thinking they were walking
toward a storefront.
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verism (VAIR-iz-uhm). The theory that
art and literature should closely represent
reality, including the ugly and distasteful.
The artists from the VERISM school are
usually responsible for the works that
create the most public outrage.
virtu (ver-TOO). A knowledge of or
appreciation for artistic objects or curios;
the quality of being artistic, beautiful,
rare, or otherwise of interest to collectors.
Uncle David was known for his VIRTU
and his gifts were eagerly anticipated.
ANTONYMS
elemental (el-uh-MEN-tul). Primitive;
starkly simple; basic.
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It was clear even to the untrained eye
how the artist’s work progressed from
ELEMENTAL depictions to more sophisticated forms later in his career.
vestigial (ve-STIJ-ee-uhl). Imperfectly
developed.
This pottery shows VESTIGIAL attempts
at artistry that would mature later.
17. Ask
(ASK), verb
To seek the answer to a question; inquire
of; request; solicit; beg.
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ADJECTIVES
precatory (PREK-uh-tor-ee). Expressing
or characterized by an entreaty or wish.
The government ministers listened
intently to the PRECATORY address and
after thirty seconds of consideration, dismissed it as impractical.
suppliant (SUH-plee-unt). Characterized
by humble imploring.
After he had an affair, Steve’s
SUPPLIANT behavior toward his wife
became almost nauseating to his friends.
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NOUNS
invocation (in-vuh-KAY-shun). The process or act of invoking; a call to a higher
power (usually God) for help.
The priest offered a special INVOCATION
at the beginning of the service.
mendicant (MEN-dih-kunt). Beggar.
There, among the castoffs of society, the
lepers, MENDICANTS, and prostitutes of
the city, he decided to begin his ministry.
VERBS
adjure (uh-JOOR). To entreat earnestly
or request solemnly.
The witnesses were ADJURED to avoid
any contact with the accused.
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beseech (bih-SEECH). To beg, implore,
or ask, with great politeness, fawning, or
urgency.
We BESEECH you, Mr. Prime Minister:
think twice before committing the lives of
so many of our countrymen to this cause.
canvass (KAN-vus). To solicit support,
opinions, votes, subscriptions, etc.
Virgil and I spent all Sunday walking
around the city CANVASSING for our
candidate.
catechize (KAT-ih-kyz). To question fully
or closely; to question with reference to
someone’s beliefs.
The hiring manager CATECHIZED every
applicant to weed out any with negative
attitudes.
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entreat (en-TREET). To ask earnestly for
(something); appeal; supplicate.
Smitten by remorse, Ted ENTREATED
Lorna to take him back once again.
exhort (ig-ZORT). To urge; to plead with
(usually in an attempt to warn or advise).
“The function of the moralist is not to
EXHORT men to be good but to elucidate
what the good is.”—Walter Lippmann,
American journalist
implore (im-PLORE). To beseech or beg
for fervently; crave; to demand urgently.
She IMPLORED him to attend the party.
importune (im-poor-TOON). To bother
with requests or demands; urge or
demand persistently or repeatedly.
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After months of IMPORTUNING his
employer for promotion to a position that
did not yet exist, Hank was asked to leave
the company.
interpellate (in-tur-PELL-ayt). To formally ask about an official action or policy
or personal conduct.
Protocol dictated that the ambassador
INTERPELLATE through proper
channels.
obtest (ob-TEST). To beg for; supplicate;
beseech.
Higgins decided that he would wait as
long as necessary in order to OBTEST the
king for clemency.
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supplicate (SUP-lih-kayt). To make a
humble, sincere, and earnest request of
someone.
The department heads decided their best
bet was to assemble as a group in the
president’s office and SUPPLICATE her to
approve the budget increases.
ANTONYMS
affirm (uh-FURM). To state positively;
declare; assert to be true.
“The more I read, the more I meditate;
and the more I acquire, the more I am
enabled to AFFIRM that I know nothing”—Voltaire, French philosopher and
writer
106/1316
profess (pro-FESS). To make an open
declaration of; affirm.
Marcia was quick to PROFESS her
involvement in the scheme when asked.
18. Attractive
(uh-TRAK-tihv), adjective
Pleasing in appearance or manner;
alluring.
ADJECTIVES
aesthetic (ess-THET-ik). Of or related to
a sense of what is attractive or beautiful.
107/1316
Covering your walls with pictures torn
from the newspaper does not testify to a
genuine AESTHETIC sense, Harold.
beguiling (bee-GUY-ling). Charming;
bewitching; enchanting.
The BEGUILING charm Monica learned
at finishing school more than makes up
for her vapid personality.
bucolic (byoo-KALL-ik). Expressive of
rural serenity and charm.
We bought a weekend place in a
BUCOLIC little village.
comely (KUM-lee). Pleasing or attractive.
Jane is COMELY, but her mother fears
that the men she attracts will not make
her happy.
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idyllic (eye-DILL-ik). Pleasing; peaceful;
ideal.
Our IDYLLIC honeymoon in the tropics
was interrupted by a hurricane.
meretricious (mer-i-TRISH-us).
Attracting attention in an unseemly or
inappropriate fashion.
His favorite brand of beer used
MERETRICIOUS ads—TV commercials
showing scantily clad young women—to
attract more attention.
pulchritudinous (pul-krih-TOOD-inus). Having or characterized by physical
beauty; comely.
Many in the crowd were not particularly
interested in the football game itself, but
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attended the event to observe firsthand
the PULCHRITUDINOUS cheerleaders.
statuesque (statch-oo-ESK). Having a
tall and well-proportioned form; like or
resembling a statue; graceful; shapely.
Although he had won many gold medals,
news reporters only focused on the swimmer’s STATUESQUE physique.
winsome (WIN-suhm). Winning and
engaging; charming.
Lydia looked quite WINSOME
throughout her coming-out party.
NOUNS
siren (SY-ren). A destructive but seductively beautiful, beguiling woman;
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anything considered dangerously
seductive.
“It is natural to indulge in the illusions of
hope. We are apt to shut our eyes to that
SIREN until she ‘allures’ us to our
death.”—Gertrude Stein, American
author
VERBS
captivate (KAP-tih-vayt). To capture the
affection or attention of, as by beauty;
charm.
Of all the girls at the dance, only Betty
could CAPTIVATE the boys without seeming to try.
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enthrall (en-THRAWL). To charm or
captivate; to put under strong influence;
enchant.
Garbo’s performance was simply
ENTHRALLING.
entice (en-TYSS). To tempt in a pleasing
fashion; to attract or lure.
The delicious aroma emanating from the
bakeshop often ENTICES me to stop in
and pick up a doughnut or muffin on my
way to work.
inveigle (in-VAY-gull). To lure, entice; to
win over by ingenuity or flattery.
Craig INVEIGLED the dean into allowing
him to graduate even though he failed to
meet the foreign-language requirement
of the university.
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ANTONYMS
repugnant (rih-PUG-nunt). Distasteful;
objectionable.
“The very word ‘secrecy’ is REPUGNANT
in a free and open society; and we are as
a people inherently and historically
opposed to secret societies, to secret
oaths, and to secret proceedings.”—John
F. Kennedy, American president
repulsive (rih-PUHL-siv). Causing
strong dislike or aversion; offensive;
disgusting.
Kathy was surprised by the new art
exhibit; instead of beautiful, well-formed,
and harmonious images, they were distinctly and utterly REPULSIVE.
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19. Augur
(AW-ger), verb
To predict or foretell the future.
ADJECTIVES
arcane (ar-KAYN). Strange and mysterious; understood by only a few.
Bill’s ARCANE knowledge of all Lexus
models and their accessories is just a
waste of gray matter.
auspicious (aw-SPISH-us). Promising;
seemingly favorable or likely to be accompanied by good fortune; having
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encouraging signals or reasons for optimism at the beginning of an undertaking.
The blind date did not have an
AUSPICIOUS start because Max kept
calling his friend’s cousin “Mallory”
instead of “Mary.”
inscrutable (in-SKROO-tuh-bull). Mysterious and not easy to understand.
“I suppose I now have the reputation of
being an INSCRUTABLE dipsomaniac.
One woman here originated the rumour
that I am extremely lazy and will never
do or finish anything.”—James Joyce,
Irish author and playwright
premonitory (preh-MAWN-ih-tor-ee).
Strongly indicative that something is
going to happen.
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The Harrisons sold their stock in that
company because they had a
PREMONITORY vision that the company
would soon go bankrupt.
NOUNS
bellwether (BELL-weh-thur). A leading
indicator or important factor in determining a course of action or outcome.
The fact that Robert got thrown out of
Groton and Exeter was a BELLWETHER
for his lackadaisical years at Dartmouth.
harbinger (HAR-bin-jer). A forerunner
or warning sign of a future event or trend.
The asteroid’s shadow blotted out the sun
as it speeded on a collision course with
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Earth, a HARBINGER of impending
doom.
portent (POOR-tent). A sign that
something is going to happen
In Ray Bradbury’s novel Something
Wicked This Way Comes, the carnival
coming to town is a PORTENT of evil
things to come.
VERBS
betoken (bee-TOE-kin). To foreshadow;
to indicate something is about to occur.
For Mary and Paul, the breakdown of
their new Porsche while they were still
two hours away from their summer home
BETOKENED a disastrous vacation.
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ANTONYMS
belie (bee-LYE). To contradict or
misrepresent.
Luther’s mild-mannered, almost sickly
appearance BELIED his physical conditioning and surprising strength.
educe (ee-DYOOCE). To come to a conclusion or solve a problem through reasoning based on thoughtful consideration
of the facts.
After Roger’s family purchased a Mercedes C class, rather than its usual Mercedes E class, we EDUCED the Wallertons
were enduring financial difficulties.
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offer.
20. Authority
(uh-THAWR-ih-tee), noun
The power or right to give commands,
enforce obedience, take action, or make
final decisions; jurisdiction.
ADJECTIVES
contumacious (kon-too-MAY-shuss).
Obstinately resisting authority; disobedient; insubordinate.
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The CONTUMACIOUS defendant eventually had to be gagged.
insubordinate (in-suh-BOR-dn-it). Failing to accept or obey proper authority.
Frank, not eager to be branded
INSUBORDINATE, did his best to carry
out the colonel’s strange orders.
magisterial (madj-ih-STEER-ee-uhl).
Having the authority, weight, and gravity
of someone considered a master of a particular art, task, ability, etc.
With MAGISTERIAL grace, the conductor
lifted her baton.
martial (MAR-shull). Appropriate to
wartime; pertaining to military control
over a civilian population.
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After capturing Richmond, the commander issued an order placing it under
MARTIAL law.
officious (oh-FISH-us). Asserting
authority or power in an obnoxious, overbearing, or pompous manner.
Bill was an old-school manager who
believed it was proper to be OFFICIOUS
and condescending in the treatment of his
employees.
NOUNS
bureaucracy (byoo-RAWK-ruh-see).
The concentration of power and authority
in administrative bodies; an administrative body; a group of nonelective government officials.
121/1316
As the company grew, the entrenched
BUREAUCRACIES in the accounting and
finance departments gained more and
more influence.
fiat (FEE-aht). An authoritative decree or
order.
Everyone interested in receiving a sizeable portion of his inheritance simply
allows grandfather to rule the household
by FIAT.
hegemony (hih-JEM-uh-nee). Domination of a region or the entire world by a
single nation, or the authority of one individual over an entire group.
Alison should not achieve HEGEMONY
over the rest of us merely because her list
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of social contacts is slightly longer than
ours.
hierarchy (HIGH-uh-rahr-key). A pecking order or ranking according to status or
level of authority.
In the HIERARCHY of the military, a
medical doctor, who is assigned the rank
of captain but is not a military man,
automatically outranks a lieutenant, who
may have years of battle experience.
judicature (JOO-dih-kuh-choor). The
authority of jurisdiction of a court of law.
This case is in fact within my
JUDICATURE, despite counsel’s arguments to the contrary.
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purview (PURR-vyoo). A person’s range
of authority and control.
Yes, Junior, I’m afraid that taking out the
garbage DOES in fact fall into your
PURVIEW.
recusancy (REK-yuh-zun-see). The
refusal to recognize or obey established
authority.
At one time, an individual’s religious
RECUSANCY could result in punishment.
sedition (sih-DISH-uhn). An action that
promotes discontent or rebellion against
authority.
In an act of childish SEDITION, Alex quit
the club after we refused to play a round
of golf with him.
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suzerainty (SOO-zer-en-tee). Paramount, unquestioned authority.
“The account executives are sufficiently
mature to manage every phase of their
accounts without challenging the ultimate SUZERAINTY of the copywriter.”—David Ogilvy, British
advertising executive
VERBS
arrogate (AIR-uh-gayt). To demand
something for oneself or to take control
without authority.
The way Nelson ARROGATES office
meetings drives his coworkers crazy!
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depose (dih-POZE). To oust or remove
from office or a position of power and
authority.
After the dictator was DEPOSED, the
country set about healing the wounds of a
long civil war.
usurp (yoo-SURP). To assume control
forcibly and/or without right or authority;
to take over.
The authority of Congress was indeed
USURPED by Lincoln during the war, but
legislators briskly reasserted themselves
once the crisis was past.
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ANTONYMS
derelict (dair-uh-LIKT). Willfully neglectful; shirking responsibility; knowingly
failing to perform one’s duty.
The sheriff was typically drunk, usually
nasty, and always DERELICT in the performance of his duties.
lax (LAX). Not strict; careless; not
stringent.
The new teacher was LAX in asserting his
authority and could not control the
classroom.
21. Avoid
(uh-VOID), verb
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To keep away from; to prevent contact; to
prevent from happening.
NOUNS
pariah (puh-RYE-uh). An outcast; one
who is shunned, avoided, or despised.
After his firing, Milton had the nerve to
show up unannounced at the company
picnic and then seemed surprised when
he was treated as a PARIAH.
VERBS
abscond (ab-SKOND). To depart quickly
and in secret, especially to avoid criminal
charges.
The bank robbers immediately
ABSCONDED with the money to Mexico.
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circumvent (sir-kum-VENT). To avoid
by means of artful contrivance; to maneuver around; bypass.
In CIRCUMVENTING the will of the
board of directors, the CEO knew he was
taking a risk.
eschew (ess-CHOO). To shun; to stay
away from, especially as a result of moral
or ethical concerns.
Chuck ESCHEWED his coworkers’ nights
out on the town, knowing they almost
always concluded with a visit to a strip
club.
evade (ee-VADE). To sidestep or dodge;
to flee from (a pursuer).
129/1316
The fugitives EVADED the authorities for
three months but were finally apprehended near Scottsdale, Arizona.
malinger (muh-LING-gur). To avoid
work by making up excuses.
“There will be no MALINGERING in this
office,” the new supervisor said sternly.
preclude (pri-KLOOD). To hinder; prevent; make impossible, especially in
advance.
“Don’t rule out working with your hands.
It does not PRECLUDE using your
head.”—Andy Rooney, American journalist and writer
shun (shun). To keep away from or avoid.
130/1316
Wade’s parents thought he would be glad
they had agreed to chaperone the school
dance and seemed surprised when he
SHUNNED them for the entire evening.
ANTONYMS
accost (uh-KAWST). To approach and
speak to; to confront.
As time went on, the old man became less
and less stable and would ACCOST everyone he met on the street, asking questions
no one could answer.
confront (kuhn-FRUHNT). To face;
stand or meet face-to-face; to face in defiance; oppose.
“All of the great leaders have had one
characteristic in common: It was the
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willingness to CONFRONT unequivocally
the major anxiety of their people in their
time.”—John Kenneth Galbraith,
Canadian-American economist
22. Aware
(uh-WEAR), adjective
Having knowledge of something through
alert observation or interpretation of what
one sees, hears, or feels; conscious.
ADJECTIVES
astute (uh-STUTE). Skilled; quick to
learn or grasp; shrewd; sharp-witted.
132/1316
Carl was an ASTUTE investor who knew
when to follow the crowd and when to
ignore it.
au courant (oh kuh-RONT). Up-to-date;
current.
Mary Ann prided herself on her ability to
stay AU COURANT with the latest trends
in fashion.
cognizant (KOG-nih-zint). Aware of the
realities of a situation; well informed.
The attorney angrily denied the charges
that his client had been COGNIZANT of
the scheme to defraud consumers.
discerning (dih-SUR-ning). Showing
good insight, judgment, and understanding; discriminating.
133/1316
Although Jamie is excellent at acquiring
reference works, she is not the most
DISCERNING editor when it comes to
evaluating children’s book proposals.
percipient (pur-SIP-ee-int). Keenly or
readily perceiving; discriminating.
Arthur was a PERCIPIENT gourmet, so
we always let him choose the restaurant
for a celebratory meal.
perspicacious (pur-spi-KAY-shuss).
Characterized by acute mental perception
and understanding.
Amanda’s PERSPICACIOUS powers of
observation made her particularly effective as a psychologist.
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pervious (PUR-vee-us). Open or accessible to reason, influence, or argument.
The new teacher was thrilled at the prospect of a classroom full of smiling faces
and PERVIOUS minds.
sentient (SEN-tee-ent). Having or capable of perception or feeling; conscious.
“Many years ago, a particular creature
was selected to develop into the dominant
life form on this planet. It was given certain breaks and certain challenges, all of
which, when utilized or overcome,
marked it indelibly with particular traits
as it moved along the road to a higher
SENTIENCE.”—Roger Zelazny, American
science fiction writer
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subliminal (sub-LIM-inn-uhl). Operating below the threshold of consciousness,
but still having an effect on the mind.
SUBLIMINAL advertising was a big fad
in advertising in the 1970s.
trenchant (TREN-chunt). Keen; sharply
perceptive; incisive; discerning.
Michael’s TRENCHANT commentary on
American politics and society have made
him a popular radio talk show host.
VERBS
annunciate (uh-NUN-see-ayt). To proclaim or announce.
Jackie chose to ANNUNCIATE her
engagement at her sister’s birthday party
and turned the attention on herself.
136/1316
apprise (uh-PRYZ). To notify; to cause to
be aware of.
Have you been APPRISED of the most
recent news from home?
disabuse (diss-uh-BYOOZ). To free oneself or someone else from an incorrect
assumption or belief.
We had to DISABUSE Lorraine of her
belief that her family connections would
immediately make her a member of our
group.
promulgate (PROM-ul-gayt). To put forward publicly; to announce in an official
capacity.
The news of the British attack was
PROMULGATED by town criers.
137/1316
ANTONYMS
heedless (HEED-liss). Unmindful; careless; thoughtless.
Jack was HEEDLESS of the effects of his
comments and, without meaning to, often
hurt the feelings of his friends and family.
nescience (NESH-uhns). Ignorance; lack
of knowledge.
The townspeople were not evil by nature,
but from their NESCIENCE were afraid
of and hostile to strangers.
B
23. Bad
(bad), adjective
Not good; defective in quality; not sound;
not an acceptable standard; lacking worth;
unfit.
ADJECTIVES
calamitous (kuh-LAM-uh-tuss). Catastrophic; disastrous.
The stock market’s CALAMITOUS crash
gave rise to a nationwide panic.
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cataclysmic (kat-uh-KLIZ-mihk). Of or
caused by a cataclysm (deluge);
disastrous.
The assassination of the prime minister
was a CATACLYSMIC event that led to a
lengthy civil war.
egregious (eh-GREE-juss). Remarkable
in a bad way; having extremely undesirable qualities.
Pauline made the EGREGIOUS mistake of
asking the price of a piece of jewelry that
caught her eye, rather than simply asking
to purchase the necklace.
grievous (GREE-vuhss). Flagrant and
outrageous; atrocious; causing grief and
great sorrow.
140/1316
“Jealousy is a GRIEVOUS passion that
jealously seeks what causes grief.”
—Franz Grillparzer, Austrian poet
hellacious (hel-AYE-shuss). Extremely
brutal, violent, and severe; remarkably
difficult.
Madison’s HELLACIOUS foray into the
corporate world resulted in her quickly
going back to being supported solely by
her trust fund.
macabre (muh-KAH-bruh). Horrifying;
ghastly; reminiscent of death.
The old man’s MACABRE tales frightened
the children.
odious (OH-dee-us). Offensive or disgusting; causing revulsion.
141/1316
“To depend upon a profession is a less
ODIOUS form of slavery than to depend
upon a father.”—Virginia Woolf, British
essayist and novelist
odoriferous (oh-duh-RIFF-er-us). Badsmelling; foul.
Eleanor believed she would enjoy her
weekend trek through the South American rainforest, but she found the animals
too noisy, the constant rain unpleasant,
and the forest’s ODORIFEROUS vegetation distasteful.
putrescent (pyoo-TRESS-unht). Rotten;
decayed; decomposed.
Roger was concerned only with the welfare of big cats and after many years in
the field wasn’t bothered by the
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PUTRESCENT remains of their prey
animals.
NOUNS
abomination (uh-bom-ih-NAY-shen).
Anything disgusting or hateful; a shameful, vile, or disgusting act or condition.
“Not just a vile act, your honor, the
defendant committed an
ABOMINATION!” thundered the prosecutor, pointing at my client.
nadir (NAY-der). Rock-bottom, the worst
a situation can get or become; point of
greatest despair or adversity.
We always have to attend the Wallingtons’ Christmas party, because of their
standing, but in truth, that dreadfully
143/1316
boring event is always the NADIR of our
social calendar.
ANTONYMS
pukka (PUCK-uh). Authentic; genuine;
proper; first-class.
He had never driven one before, but
Frank could recognize immediately that
this classic automobile was a PUKKA.
recherché (ruh-shair-SHAY). Sought
with care; rare; choice; uncommon.
Brian was not content having the same
possessions as other people and continually searched for RECHERCHÉ items to
show off.
See also: Abuse, Crimes, Evil
144/1316
24. Banter
(BAN-ter), noun
Good-natured teasing or light, playful
remarks.
NOUNS
badinage (bah-dih-NAHZH). Lighthearted banter, not meant to be taken
seriously.
“If you don’t care for me, you can move
out now. I’m frankly not up to
BADINAGE.”—Harlan Ellison, American
author
chaff (CHAF). Good-natured teasing or
ridicule.
145/1316
It seemed easy at first, but keeping up the
CHAFF throughout the party turned out
to be quite a chore.
facetiousness (fuh-SEE-shuss-ness).
Conversation that lacks serious intent and
is concerned with something nonessential
and amusing.
I could see by the amount of liquor flowing that the party would be characterized
by awkward dancing and
FACETIOUSNESS.
persiflage (PUR-suh-flahzh). A light,
flippant, or frivolous style of writing or
speaking; banter.
The room was filled with the sounds of
the string quartet and the guests’
PERSIFLAGE.
146/1316
pleasantry (PLEZ-uhn-tree). The quality
of being pleasant or playful in conversation; courteous social remark.
He now faced an enemy on the battlefield
who was once his good neighbor with
whom he had exchanged many
PLEASANTRIES.
raillery (RAY-luh-ree). Good-natured
teasing.
“RAILLERY,” said Montesquieu, is “a way
of speaking in favor of one’s wit at the
expense of one’s better nature.”
repartee (rep-er-TAY). Conversation
characterized by witty banter.
Our galas and balls are always marked
by delightful REPARTEE around the
grand dinner table.
147/1316
ANTONYMS
churlishness (CHUR-lish-ness). A
mean, boorish, or rude outlook; lack of
civility or graciousness.
Neil was surprised by Susan’s
CHURLISHNESS when discussing a
mutual friend.
disputatious (dis-pyoo-TAY-shuss).
Inclined to dispute; fond of arguing;
contentious.
Laura brought her DISPUTATIOUS
brother with her to the movie, so we were
prepared for an unpleasant evening.
25. Bathos
(BAY-thoss), noun
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A sudden change in mood from the solemn and serious to a more light-hearted,
relaxed, and humorous outlook. Also,
insincere pathos.
ADJECTIVES
capricious (kuh-PREE-shuss). Prone to
quickly changing one’s mind, decision, or
course of action at the drop of a hat or on
impulse.
“I do not understand the CAPRICIOUS
lewdness of the sleeping mind.”
—John Cheever, American novelist
effervescent (ef-ur-VESS-ent). Bubbly;
upbeat; cheerful; possessing a positive
attitude and joyful personality.
149/1316
After getting the acceptance letter from
Cornell, Sabrina was EFFERVESCENT
and celebrated with a trip to Neiman
Marcus.
NOUNS
bonhomie (bon-uh-MEE). A goodnatured, genial manner.
Even though he has no family pedigree,
Walker is accepted into our group
because of his contagious BONHOMIE.
VERBS
prattle (PRAT-l). To babble; to talk nonstop without regard to whether what you
are saying makes sense or is of any
interest to the listener.
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“Infancy conforms to nobody: all conform to it, so that one babe commonly
makes four or five out of the adults who
PRATTLE and play to it.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet,
essayist, and transcendentalist
ANTONYMS
dyslogistic (diss-luh-JISS-tik). Showing
disapproval or censure.
We gave Elizabeth DYSLOGISTIC glances
when she told us she had decided to stop
shopping at Cartier.
equable (ECK-wuh-bull). Unvarying,
steady, and free from extremes.
“He spake of love, such love as spirits feel
/ In worlds whose course is EQUABLE
151/1316
and pure.”—William Wordsworth, British
Romantic poet
26. Behave
(bee-HAYV), verb
To manage or conduct oneself, especially
in a proper or correct way; to act or react.
ADJECTIVES
inveterate (in-VET-er-it). Never changing; persisting by habit.
“Take all the garden spills, /
INVETERATE, / prodigal spender / just
as summer goes.”—Hilda Doolittle, American poet and memoirist
152/1316
NOUNS
demeanor (dih-MEE-ner). Outward conduct; deportment.
In an effort to teach behavior, primary
schools graded students on their
DEMEANOR.
habitude (HAB-uh-tyood). Customary
behavior or customary procedure.
Alistair’s HABITUDE is for the servants
to awake him just prior to noon.
portance (PORT-ens). Conduct; carriage,
bearing; demeanor.
My grandmother grew up in a more civilized period, or so she claimed, and appreciated the value of proper PORTANCE.
153/1316
praxis (PRAK-sis). Established practice;
custom.
At one time, killing and stuffing specimens was the PRAXIS for many branches
of biology.
propriety (pro-PRY-uh-tee). Behaving in
a way that conforms to the manners and
morals of polite society.
“PROPRIETY is the least of all laws, and
the most observed.”—François de La
Rochefoucauld, French author
VERBS
acquit (uh-KWIT). To behave in accordance with a person’s position or
obligations.
154/1316
It had been years since the actors had
worked together on stage, but they both
ACQUITED themselves like professionals.
bestir (bee-STUR). To rouse to action;
stir up; busy or exert (oneself).
Having made elaborate preparations to
watch the game without interruption,
Arthur did not plan to BESTIR himself for
the rest of the afternoon.
comport (kum-PORT). To conduct oneself; to behave in a particular way.
Roger always embarrasses us because he
seems to think his family name frees him
to COMPORT himself foolishly.
discharge (dis-CHARJ). To perform,
execute, or fulfill a duty or function.
155/1316
The soldier took his position seriously
and always DISCHARGED his duties to
the best of his ability.
ANTONYMS
dysfunctional (diss-FUNK-shun-uhl).
Characterized by abnormal functioning, or
poor interpersonal behavior within a
group.
Charlie always blames his rotten behavior on being the product of a
DYSFUNCTIONAL family.
27. Belief
(bee-LEEF), noun
156/1316
A state of mind in which confidence is
placed in a person or thing; a conviction
that certain things are true; faith.
ADJECTIVES
existential (eggs-ih-STEN-shul). Pertaining to ideas, beliefs, and philosophies
that support the concept of free will and
the freedom of the individual.
“No phallic hero, no matter what he does
to himself or to another to prove his courage, ever matches the solitary,
EXISTENTIAL courage of the woman
who gives birth.”—Andrea Dworkin,
American radical feminist and author
157/1316
implausible (im-PLAWZ-ih-bull). Difficult to believe; highly unlikely to be true.
“At first glance, most famous fairy tales
seem so IMPLAUSIBLE and irrelevant to
contemporary life that their survival is
hard to understand.”—Alison Lurie,
American novelist and academic
monistic (moh-NIS-tik). Characterized
by the idea that everything—including
philosophy, religion, and mysticism—can
be reduced to a single substance or
explained by a single principle.
Of course we believe the world is
MONISTIC. Wealth is the source of
everything in the universe.
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orthodox (OR-thuh-docks). Mainstream;
conventional; adhering to the strictest
interpretation of a law or religion.
ORTHODOX medicine has long ignored
the obvious effect diet and nutrition have
on health and illness.
staunch (stonch). Firm in resolution or
belief; fixed.
Mr. West, a STAUNCH conservative,
believed that government waste was the
main problem requiring attention in
Washington.
syncretistic (sin-krih-TIH-stik). Pertaining to a set of beliefs obtained by combining elements of multiple cultures,
religions, societies, or schools of thought.
159/1316
Pauline’s SYNCRETISTIC worldview
comes from the fact that her family has
traveled extensively across the globe.
teleological (tee-lee-uh-LOJ-ih-kuhl).
Concerning the belief that things exist for
a purpose.
The fact that we have unsurpassable
wealth and taste, while others who are
less important endure hardship, is surely
proof that we live in a TELEOLOGICAL
universe.
NOUNS
agnostic (ag-NOS-tik). A person who
believes it is impossible to know the
essential nature of things and whether or
not an ultimate cause (as God) exists.
160/1316
Frank, who had been raised in a deeply
religious home, knew that it would hurt
his parents if they discovered he was an
AGNOSTIC.
determinism (dih-TUR-muh-niz-um).
The belief that a person’s course of action
is not free but predetermined by external
circumstances.
A true disciple of DETERMINISM, Jerry
felt he should not be held accountable for
having married three women—since, as
he argued, each of the relationships had
been “meant to be.”
ethos (EE-thos). The core principles or
beliefs of a religion, culture, or
community.
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Even the eating of cheese violates the
ETHOS of the vegan culture.
humanism (HEW-muh-niz-um). The
philosophy or belief that the highest ideals
of human existence can be fulfilled
without regard to religion or supernatural
intervention.
“The four characteristics of HUMANISM
are curiosity, a free mind, belief in good
taste, and belief in the human race.”—E.
M. Forster, English novelist
hypothesis (hy-POTH-uh-sis). A principle derived from limited evidence, seen
as sensible based on an analysis of available data, but not proven to the point
where it is an accepted theory, rule, or
law.
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“In order to shake a HYPOTHESIS, it is
sometimes not necessary to do anything
more than push it as far as it will
go.”—Denis Diderot, French philosopher
iconoclast (eye-KAHN-uh-clast). An
individual who is contrarian in thought,
rebellious in spirit, and oppositional, and
who applies himself to battling established
institutions, existing governments, religious doctrine, and popular notions and
beliefs.
The late George Carlin saw the role of the
comic in society as one of ICONOCLAST.
ideologue (EYE-dee-uh-log). A person
who rigidly adheres to an ideology with a
closed mind regarding other points of
view.
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“An IDEOLOGUE may be defined as a
mad intellectual.”—Clifton Fadiman,
American critic
martyrdom (MAR-ter-dum). The condition of having suffered death as a martyr,
a person who has died or been killed
rather than give up his faith or principles.
Many say that John Brown’s
MARTYRDOM served his cause more
effectively than anything he did at
Harper’s Ferry.
mores (MORE-ayz). The accepted norms
of social behavior for the time and society
in which one lives.
Grant learned the hard way that MORES
vary from country to country when he
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made the faux pas of trying to shake the
hand of the Thai businessman.
nihilism (NIE-uh-liz-im). The belief that
life is meaningless.
A profound NIHILISM seems to have
fallen over the poet during the last six
months she spent in London; her letters
to her mother indicate a severe
depression.
pragmatism (PRAG-muh-tiz-um). The
belief that one’s actions should be guided
primarily based on knowledge or opinion
of what is likely to work best in a given
situation; the imperative to always do
what is practical and effective.
Our families have succeeded in amassing
great wealth over many generations
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because we are all, at heart, practitioners
of PRAGMATISM.
predestination (pree-dess-tih-NAYshun). The belief that we do not have free
will and that our lives and destinies are
preordained and beyond our control.
The problem with PREDESTINATION is
that whatever happens, you can say that
it was meant to be, and no one can prove
you wrong.
solipsism (SAHL-ip-sihz-uhm). The
notion that one’s own experiences and
thoughts are the only source of true
knowledge.
The SOLIPSISM of some members of the
leisure class is distasteful to those of us
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who, for example, know what our servants need even more than they do.
tabula rasa (TAB-yuh-luh RAH-suh). A
clean slate; lacking preconceived notions,
prejudices, beliefs, and attitudes; receptive to instruction and information.
“Classic writer’s fear of the blank page:
call it TABULA-RASA-phobia.”
—John Jerome, American nonfiction
writer
Taoism (DOW-is-um). A system of philosophy identified with the sage Lao-tzu and
embodied most notably in his work Tao
Te Ching, which holds that life lived
simply and in accordance with natural
laws and events is most in keeping with
167/1316
the Tao, or way, that underlies all
existence.
Scholars may debate the fine points of a
rational understanding of TAOISM, but a
true practitioner probably expresses it
best when she gracefully and thankfully
accepts a proffered cup of tea.
tenet (TEN-it). A central doctrine; a core
belief; a rule or principle one lives by.
“Christian writers from the third century
on pointed out the deleterious effect of
Platonism on Christian belief—even while
adopting many of its fundamental
TENETS.”—Harold Attridge, Dean of
Yale University Divinity School
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weltschmerz (VELT-shmertz). A lingering sorrow that some believe is a given in
life.
When we snubbed Margaret for buying
so many fashion knockoffs, her
WELTSCHMERZ lasted until we forgave
her.
zealot (ZEL-it). A rabid follower; a true
believer; a fanatical advocate.
“What a noble aim is that of the ZEALOT
who tortures himself like a madman in
order to desire nothing, love nothing, feel
nothing, and who, if he succeeded, would
end up a complete monster!”—Denis
Diderot, French philosopher
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zeitgeist (ZITE-gyst). The prevailing
viewpoints, attitudes, and beliefs of a
given generation or period in history.
In the twenty-first century, “going green”
is very much at the forefront of the
nation’s ZEITGEIST, as people have been
made aware of the importance of being
good stewards of our planet’s natural
resources.
ANTONYMS
apostasy (uh-POSS-tah-see). The act of
abandoning, ignoring, or openly flouting
an accepted principle or belief.
Paul was a believer in his parents’ religion for most of his life, until his faith
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was overrun and crushed by unstoppable
APOSTASY.
dubiety (doo-BY-ih-tee). The state of
doubt; doubtfulness; uncertainty.
The financial reports were inconsistent
and confusing, and they caused rampant
DUBIETY within both chambers of
Congress.
28. Best
(BEST), adjective
Having the highest quality, standing, or
excellence; most suitable, desirable, or
advantageous; superior to all others.
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ADJECTIVES
efflorescent (ef-luh-RESS-uhnt).
Describes something that has reached the
final stage of its development or is at the
peak of perfection.
Thomas is convinced that the Bugatti
Veyron Fbg represents the
EFFLORESCENT automobile.
empyreal (em-PEER-ee-uhl). Elevated
and sublime; or, of the sky.
The beautiful three-carat sapphire her
fiancé gave her shone with an
EMPYREAL, almost celestial, light.
maximal (MAK-suh-mull). The highest
or greatest possible; at the upper limit.
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Once it reached its MAXIMAL height, the
test plane could be returned to base for
examination.
nonpareil (non-pah-RELL). Without
equal or peer.
We could tell Jeanette was a typical
parvenu when she attempted to convince
us that Bennington Posh Couture golf
bags are NONPAREIL.
optimum (OP-tih-mum). The most
favorable degree, point, or condition; the
best result for given conditions.
George knew his fish and arrived at the
best spot on the lake at the OPTIMUM
moment.
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paramount (PAIR-uh-mount). Supreme;
superior; excellent.
It is of PARAMOUNT importance that we
complete this project on time.
peerless (PEER-luss). Without peer;
above others with regard to ability or
quality; beyond compare.
Mrs. Reilly’s PEERLESS skills as a mediator soon earned her a special position of
respect on the school board.
quintessential (kwin-tuh-SEN-shul).
The most nearly perfect or typical example
of its category or kind.
“Craving that old sweet oneness yet
dreading engulfment, wishing to be our
mother’s and yet be our own, we stormily
swing from mood to mood, advancing
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and retreating—the QUINTESSENTIAL
model of two-mindedness.”
—Judith Viorst, American author and
psychoanalyst
rarefied (RAIR-uh-fyed). Lofty; exalted;
of high class or caliber.
Most copywriters don’t operate in the
RAREFIED environment in which
Clayton makes his millions.
superlative (soo-PURR-luh-tiv). The
quality of something’s being the best in its
class.
Our family’s show horses are
SUPERLATIVE in every way.
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NOUNS
apotheosis (ah-paw-thee-OH-sis). The
culmination or highest point.
Winning the Silver Gutter Award at his
local bowling alley was the APOTHEOSIS
of Wendell’s less-than-stellar sports
legacy.
epitome (ee-PIT-uh-mee). The highest or
supreme example.
Many people consider The Mary Tyler
Moore Show to be the EPITOME of a
1970s situation comedy.
exemplar (ig-ZEM-plar). A role model, a
shining example of a desired state, status,
or behavior.
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“The system—the American one, at
least—is a vast and noble experiment. It
has been polestar and EXAMPLAR for
other nations.”—Phyllis McGinley, American poet
ne plus ultra (nay plooce OOL-truh).
The highest possible embodiment (of
something).
Many consider Oedipus Rex tragic
drama’s NE PLUS ULTRA.
paragon (PAIR-uh-gone). A peerless
model or pattern of perfection.
Even if we could live our lives in accordance with the PARAGONS of right living,
would we not still experience conflict and
misunderstanding with others?
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primacy (PRY-muh-see). Quality of
being first in order, rank, or importance.
Physics is thought, by physicists, to hold
PRIMACY over other sciences.
zenith (ZEE-nith). The highest point
attained; the peak.
“This dead of midnight is the noon of
thought, / And Wisdom mounts her
ZENITH with the stars.”—Anna Laetitia
Barbauld, English poet and children’s
author
ANTONYMS
nadir (NAY-der). Rock-bottom, the worst
a thing can get or become; point of
greatest despair or adversity.
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Everyone quietly prayed that the market
had reached its NADIR and would
bounce back quickly and completely.
See also: Grand
29. Bona fide
(BO-nah fyed), adjective
Legitimate, the real thing, the genuine
article.
ADJECTIVES
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We promoted Carla to upstairs maid
because her job performance has been
UNIMPEACHABLE.
veritable (VER-ih-tuh-bull). Genuine;
the real thing; representing a perfect specimen or example.
“For me, the child is a VERITABLE image
of becoming, of possibility, poised to
reach towards what is not yet, towards a
growing that cannot be predetermined or
prescribed.”—Maxine Greene, American
philosopher and educator
NOUNS
or behavior.
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rectitude (REHK-tih-tood). Moral virtue; rightness.
“The mind that’s conscious of its
RECTITUDE, / Laughs at the lies of
rumor.”
—Ovid, Roman poet
veracity (ver-ASS-ih-tee). The characteristic or habit of being truthful and conforming to accepted standards of
behavior.
“The world is upheld by the VERACITY of
good men: they make the earth
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wholesome.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson,
American poet, essayist, and
transcendentalist
VERBS
vindicate (VIN-dih-kayt). To prove your
opinion is correct, or your action justified,
or that you are innocent of a misdeed you
stand accused of, despite opinions and
evidence to the contrary.
We laughed at Paulette’s predictions
about the imminent fall fashions, but once
the couture was unveiled, Paulette was
VINDICATED.
182/1316
ANTONYMS
aggrandize (uh-GRAN-dyz). To exaggerate, put on a false front, and make
something look greater and grander than
it really is.
Phil tries to AGGRANDIZE his reputation
by stating that he is a charter member of
the Bill O’Reilly fan club, but everybody
just thinks this “feat” makes him pathetic.
clandestine (klan-DES-tin). Pertaining
to activities that are secret, covert, and
perhaps not fully authorized or
sanctioned.
“CLANDESTINE steps upon imagined
stairs / Climb through the night, because
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his cuckoos call.”—Wallace Stevens,
American poet
fallacious (fuh-LAY-shuss). Based on
one or more false assumptions.
Since my online subscriber list is double
opt-in, accusing me of being a spammer
is a wholly FALLACIOUS assumption.
beads.
inveigle (in-VAY-gull). To convince or
persuade someone through trickery, dishonesty, or flattery.
Craig INVEIGLED the dean into allowing
him to graduate even though he failed to
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meet the foreign language requirement of
the university.
traduce (truh-DOOCE). To speak maliciously of; slander.
We have snubbed Katrina permanently
because she has, at one time or another,
TRADUCED each one of us in the society
pages.
usurper (you-SIR-per). A person who
seizes a position of power through illegal
means, force, or deception.
“A USURPER in the guise of a benefactor
is the enemy that we are now to
encounter and overcome.”—William Leggett, American poet and fiction writer
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30. Brave
(BRAYV), adjective
The characteristic of fearlessness in meeting danger or difficulty; having courage.
ADJECTIVES
audacious (aw-DAY-shuss). Extremely
bold; reckless; daring; adventurous; defiant in the face of convention.
His AUDACIOUS behavior at the family
reunion shocked even his brothers and
sisters.
dauntless (DAWNT-liss). Fearless,
intrepid, and bold.
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“For Thought has a pair of DAUNTLESS
wings.”—Robert Frost, American poet
intrepid (in-TREP-id). Resolutely brave.
The INTREPID climber made her way
down the icy mountain alone.
valorous (VAL-er-uss). Characterized by
fearlessness and bravery, especially in
battle.
My uncle’s office was filled with citations
commemorating his many VALOROUS
acts in World War II.
NOUNS
bravado (bruh-VAW-doe). An open show
of bravery; characterized by a display of
boldness.
187/1316
The mayor’s swaggering attitude of
BRAVADO was of little help when the
town was finally attacked.
sangfroid (san-FWAH). The attitude or
state of possessing a cool head and steadfast composure in the face of danger,
adversity, or stressful situations.
The car crash shook him, but within
seconds he recovered his SANGFROID
and went to check on his driver.
ANTONYMS
pavid (PAV-id). Timid and fearful.
Charlie’s cat must have been abused as a
kitten, because it sleeps with one PAVID
eye open.
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pusillanimous (pyoo-suh-LAN-ihmuss). Being mild or timid by nature; a
shrinking violet; a person who seeks to
avoid conflict, challenge, and danger.
L. Frank Baum’s most PUSILLANIMOUS
fictional creation is the Cowardly Lion of
Oz.
recreant (REHK-ree-ant). Craven; cowardly; crying for mercy.
Victory seemed likely because we were
facing a reputedly RECREANT foe.
tremulous (TREHM-yuh-luss). Timid
and fearful.
With TREMULOUS mien, Anthony asked
Gwendolyn if she would consent to a joining of their families.
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trepidation (trep-ih-DAY-shun). A state
of fear or agitation.
Continual tremors created
TREPIDATION in the entire population.
31. Burgeon
(BURR-jin), verb
To sprout, to grow; to blossom and
flourish.
ADJECTIVES
ebullient (eh-BULL-yuhnt). Feeling joy
and positive emotions at an extreme level;
the state of being wildly enthusiastic
about something.
190/1316
Lorne was EBULLIENT when he found
that his mother had given the college
enough money to overturn his rejection.
efflorescent (ef-luh-RESS-uhnt). Having
reached the final stage of its development,
or being at the peak of perfection.
Thomas is convinced that the Bugati
fervent (FUR-vuhnt). Showing great
enthusiasm and intensity of spirit.
Packing up the family’s castoffs for
myriad charities each December places
Contessa in a FERVENT state.
germinal (JUHR-mih-nuhl). Related to
the earliest stage of development.
191/1316
Roland’s foray into art-buying is in its
GERMINAL phase.
NOUNS
apotheosis (ah-paw-thee-OH-siss). The
culmination or highest point.
Winning the Silver Gutter Award at his
local bowling alley was the APOTHEOSIS
of Wendell’s less-than-stellar sports
legacy.
concupiscence (kon-KYOO-pih-suhns).
Unbridled lust in the extreme—horniness.
“You’re talking to a young vampire, a
fountain of CONCUPISCENCE.”
—Mario Acevedo, American fantasy
author
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VERBS
foment (foe-MENT). To rouse or incite.
“If perticuliar care and attention is not
paid to the Laidies we are determined to
FOMENT a Rebelion, and will not hold
ourselves bound by any Laws in which
we have no voice, or Representation.”—Abigail Adams, second First Lady
of the United States
metastasize (meh-TASS-tih-size). To
spread harmfully from an original source,
as with cancer cells.
Byron’s ugly nature quickly
METASTASIZED in our group, as he
spread lies and gossip among more and
more of our social contacts.
193/1316
ANTONYMS
entropy (EN-troh-pee). The tendency of
any system to run down and revert to total
chaos.
“Just as the constant increase of
ENTROPY is the basic law of the universe, so it is the basic law of life to be
ever more highly structured and to
struggle against ENTROPY.”—Václav
Havel, Czech playwright, writer, and
politician
C
32. Cabal
(kuh-BAHL), noun
An underground society, secret religious
sect, or other private group assembled for
purposes hidden from those around them.
ADJECTIVES
furtive (FUR-tihv). Acting guilty of some
misstep or possessing knowledge one
would just as soon keep secret.
“For a while the two stared at each
other—Denison embarrassed, Selene
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almost FURTIVE.”—Isaac Asimov,
Russian-born American author and
biochemist
Machiavellian (mack-ee-uh-VEL-eeuhn). Unscrupulous and self-centered;
manipulative; cunning.
We can hardly be called
MACHIAVELLIAN simply because we do
what we need to do to hold onto the
196/1316
luxurious lifestyle to which we have
become accustomed.
NOUNS
coup (koo). Forcible seizure of power or
control.
Sophia took control of her father’s company while he was in the hospital, an act
the investors considered a bit of a COUP.
minion (MIN-yuhn). A follower of
someone in an important position.
“I caught this morning morning’s
MINION, king- / dom of daylight’s
dauphin, dapple-dawn-drawn Falcon, in
his riding.”—Gerard Manley Hopkins,
English poet and Jesuit priest
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oligarchy (OH-lih-gar-kee). A nation,
state, or other place where the population
is governed by a relatively small group of
people, especially when all are members
of the same family.
Most family owned businesses are
OLIGARCHIES, not democracies.
promotes discontent or rebellion.
of golf with him.
VERBS
encipher (en-SY-fur). To scramble or
convert data into a secret code, prior to
transmission.
198/1316
Mathematicians were employed by the
Army to crack ENCIPHERED messages
during the war.
ANTONYMS
gregarious (greh-GAIR-ee-us). Extroverted; outgoing; friendly and cheerful in
nature.
ostentatious (awe-sten-TAY-shuss).
Pretentious; presented in a showy manner
so as to impress others; meant to flaunt
one’s wealth or success.
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“The man who is OSTENTATIOUS of his
modesty is twin to the statue that wears a
fig-leaf.”—Mark Twain
33. Careful
(KAYR-full), adjective
Exercising caution; dealing thoughtfully
with a situation; wary; showing close
attention or great concern.
ADJECTIVES
chary (CHAIR-ee). Very cautious or
wary.
200/1316
I was CHARY of Lillian’s new business
scheme because her “great” ideas always
result in spectacular disasters.
circumspect (SIR-kum-spekt). Prudent,
cautious; considering from all sides.
“I smiled, / I waited, / I was
CIRCUMSPECT; / O never, never, never
write that I / missed life or loving.”—Hilda Doolittle, American poet and
memoirist
fastidious (fah-STID-ee-us). Particular
about things, expecially good housekeeping and personal hygiene; placing great
importance on even the smallest of
details.
“A FASTIDIOUS person in the throes of
love is a rich source of mirth.”
201/1316
—Martha Duffy, Arts editor, Time
magazine
meticulous (meh-TIK-yuh-luhss).
Extremely precise; fussy about details.
As a radiologist, Arthur was required to
give METICULOUS attention to reading
test results.
parsimonious (par-sih-MOAN-ee-us).
Conservative in spending and tight with a
dollar; parting with money or other
resources only grudgingly and after much
cajoling.
Esmerelda can be surprisingly
PARSIMONIOUS, considering that her
family’s fortune is among the greatest
possessed by our social contacts.
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punctilious (punk-TILL-ee-uss). Overly
attentive to trifling details; taking great
care to dispose of seemingly small matters
in a formally correct way.
The PUNCTILIOUS Mrs. Smith took issue
with the seating arrangements we had
suggested.
scrupulous (SKROO-pyoo-luss). Characterized by a conscientious adherence to
what is considered true, right, or accurate.
The CFO was replaced by a financial
expert who also exercised SCRUPULOUS
control of the company’s expense
accounts, much to the chagrin of the sales
force.
203/1316
NOUNS
preciosity (presh-ee-OSS-uh-tee). Carefully affected or fastidious refinement.
It was unclear why Ralph adopted his
PRECIOSITY, but we know he didn’t
inherit it from his guileless parents.
ANTONYMS
prodigal (PRAHD-ih-gull). Characterized by reckless wastefulness; spendthrift;
excessively generous.
Known for his PRODIGAL spending
habits, William always caused a stir
among waitstaff in the restaurants he
frequented.
204/1316
profligate (PROF-lih-git). Extravagant;
wasteful; excessive.
“The official account of the Church’s
development viewed alternative voices as
expressing the views of a misguided
minority, craven followers of contemporary culture, PROFLIGATE sinners, or
worse.”—Harold Attridge, Dean of Yale
University Divinity School
slatternly (SLAT-urn-lee). Untidy and
careless; slovenly; disorderly.
Dorothy’s SLATTERNLY habits make her
an interesting choice for “mother of the
year.”
slovenly (SLUHV-in-lee). Dirty or untidy
in one’s personal habits.
205/1316
Burt’s SLOVENLY room is at odds with
his tidy personal appearance.
34. Chance
(CHANSS), noun
Happenings that occur unpredictably in
the absence of cause or design; fortuity;
luck; uncertainty.
ADJECTIVES
aleatory (A-lee-uh-tore-ee). Unplanned,
spontaneous, or spur of the moment;
depending on luck, randomness, or
chance.
206/1316
“Of course you lost the election!” Miranda
yelled. “An ALEATORY, fly-by-the-seatof-your-pants campaign is never going to
be a recipe for success!”
auspicious (aw-SPISH-us). Promising;
seemingly favorable or likely to be accompanied by good fortune; encouraging
optimism at the beginning of an
undertaking.
The trip did not begin AUSPICIOUSLY;
our car broke down within an hour.
fortuitous (for-TOO-ih-tuss). A happy
event taking place by accident or chance.
“The most FORTUITOUS event of my
entire life was meeting my wife
Eleanor.”—Franklin Delano Roosevelt
207/1316
hapless (HAP-liss). Luckless;
unfortunate.
Oliver presented a rather HAPLESS figure during his first few days on the job,
but he soon mastered his new
responsibilities.
inauspicious (in-aw-SPISH-uss).
Accompanied by or predictive of ill luck;
not favorable in portent.
Who could have predicted that from such
INAUSPICIOUS beginnings Grant would
rise to command great armies and, eventually, lead his nation?
precarious (prih-KAIR-ee-us). Tenuous;
dependent upon circumstances; uncertain; unsecured.
208/1316
During that time of civil unrest, Jack
thought frequently about his
PRECARIOUS future.
propitious (pruh-PISH-us). Presenting a
good omen; auspicious.
We all hoped that the beautiful sunset
was a PROPITIOUS omen for our camping vacation.
providential (prahv-uh-DEN-shul). Fortunate; as if occurring by or resulting from
divine intervention.
Fastening my seat belt was a
PROVIDENTIAL act, as the accident
made apparent.
209/1316
NOUNS
deus ex machina (DAY-uhs eks MAkeh-nuh). An unexpected and fortunate
event solving a problem or saving
someone from disaster; a stroke of good
luck.
Harry had reached a financial threshold,
and it would take a DEUX EX MACHINA
to rescue him from bankruptcy.
entropy (EN-troh-pee). The tendency of
any system to run down and revert to total
chaos.
“Just as the constant increase of
ENTROPY is the basic law of the universe, so it is the basic law of life to be
ever more highly structured and to
210/1316
struggle against ENTROPY.”—Václav
Havel, Czech playwright, writer, and
politician
kismet (KIHZ-met). Fate or destiny.
A hopeless romantic, Brian believed
KISMET was responsible for his
arranged marriage.
serendipity (ser-en-DIP-ih-tee). The
attaining of success, good fortune, or an
object of desire through luck and random
circumstance.
What made him an Internet billionaire
was SERENDIPITY more than brains or
talent.
211/1316
ANTONYMS
ascribe (uh-SKRYBE). To attribute or
assign causal responsibility to a person or
thing.
This work has been ASCRIBED to
Rousseau, but his authorship now seems
uncertain.
etiology (ee-tee-OL-uh-gee). The assignment of a cause; the science of origins or
causes.
The ETIOLOGY of the disease was clear;
David developed mesothelioma from his
years of working, unprotected, with
asbestos.
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35. Change
(CHEYNJ), noun, verb
A transformation; substitution; alteration
or modification; to cause to become different; convert
ADJECTIVES
impulse.
lewdness of the sleeping mind.”
—John Cheever, American novelist
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malleable (MAL-yuh-bull). Easily molded into different shapes; easily influenced to change one’s opinion or actions.
“I did not know that mankind was suffering for want of gold. I have seen a little of
it. I know that it is very MALLEABLE, but
not so MALLEABLE as wit.”—Henry
David Thoreau, American author and
transcendentalist
mercurial (mer-KYOOR-ee-uhl). Volatile, fickle, and erratic.
Joe thought his MERCURIAL boss was
exhausting but highly entertaining.
pliable (PLY-uh-bull). Able to be
changed in shape, form, or inclination;
capable of being directed or influenced.
214/1316
Gold, one of the world’s most valuable
metals, is also one of the most PLIABLE.
protean (PRO-tee-en). Highly changeable; readily taking on different characters
or forms.
A willing, brave, and PROTEAN actress
will tend to be employed more frequently.
NOUNS
acculturation (ah-kul-chuh-RAY-shin).
The process of adapting to a different culture; cultural modification.
New citizens are formed through
ACCULTURATION at the cost of their
heritage and culture.
flux (FLUKS). Unceasing change.
215/1316
The organization’s plans were in a state
of constant FLUX.
mutability (myoo-tuh-BIL-ih-tee). The
condition of being able to change at a
moment’s notice.
“It is the same! For, be it joy or sorrow, /
The path of its departure still is free: /
Man’s yesterday may ne’er be like his
morrow; / Nought may endure but
MUTABILITY”—Percy Bysshe Shelley,
English Romantic poet
permutation (per-myoo-TAY-shun). A
transformation leading to a complete
change.
After exploring numerous
PERMUTATIONS of its style, the band
216/1316
returned to the sound with which it had
first attracted fans.
transubstantiation (tran-sub-stan-sheA-shun). The changing of one substance
into another; transmutation;
transformation.
TRANSUBSTANTIATION is used as a
technique in marketing, transforming
shabby and gauche items into supposed
examples of tasteful luxury.
vicissitudes (vhi-SISS-ih-toods). The
constant changes in one’s situation or condition, common throughout life.
“VICISSITUDES of fortune, which spares
neither man nor the proudest of his
works, which buries empires and cities in
217/1316
a common grave.”—Edward Gibbon,
British historian
VERBS
abrade (uh-BRADE). To wear away or
rub off; to wear down in spirit.
The campaign had hoped for a hard-hitting, informative television commercial,
but the ad—widely perceived as negative
and mean-spirited—served only to
ABRADE voter support.
acclimate (AK-lih-mayt). To adapt or
become accustomed to a new altitude, climate, environment, or situation.
At first Joan found college life lonely and
stressful, but after a few weeks she was
218/1316
able to ACCLIMATE, and she never
longed for home again.
assimilate (uh-SIM-uh-layt). To acquire
and incorporate as one’s own; to absorb;
to alter by adoption.
Dorothy could ASSIMILATE information
more quickly and thoroughly than any
other student in the school.
emend (ee-MEND). To change by means
of editing; to correct (a text or reading).
Many of Shakespeare’s most famous
lines, such as “A rose by any other name
would smell as sweet,” are the result of a
critic’s choice to EMEND a troublesome
source text.
219/1316
macerate (MASS-uh-rayt). To waste
away; to become thin or emaciated; to
soften or decompose.
It was painful for his family to watch
Harold, who had been so vigorous and
robust, slowly MACERATE.
metamorphose (met-uh-MORE-fohz).
To change completely in character or
nature; to change into a different physical
form.
The boarding school experience gave
Martha new friends and the impetus to
METAMORPHOSE into a young woman.
permute (per-MYOOT). To alter; to
make different; to change the order or
sequence of.
220/1316
John had spent more than fifty hours creating what he thought was the perfect
presentation until his boss asked him to
PERMUTE much of the statistical data.
shunt (SHUNT). To change the direction
of; to divert.
When his proposal was dismissed after
less than a minute of discussion, Mark
felt more than ever that his ideas were
being SHUNTED aside without due
consideration.
ANTONYMS
immutable (ih-MYOO-tuh-bull).
Unchangeable.
“I don’t know what IMMUTABLE differences exist between men and women
221/1316
apart from differences in their genitals.”—Naomi Weisstein, American
feminist
incorrigible (in-KORE-ih-juh-bull).
Incapable of being reformed; not easily
changed or influenced.
Young Pete was an INCORRIGIBLE boy,
forever getting into scrapes and causing
mischief.
ossify (OS-uh-fye). To harden and
become unable to change.
Due to his lack of contact with others,
Jack’s opinions have OSSIFIED.
Rubicon (ROO-bih-kawn). A point beyond which permanent change is
unavoidable.
222/1316
In signing the bill, the governor may
have crossed the RUBICON and forever
closed the door on his prison reform
program.
See also: Reduce
36. Cogent
(KOH-jent), adjective
Reasoned; well-thought-out; logical; compelling; persuasive.
ADJECTIVES
apropos (ap-rih-POE). Appropriate, or at
an opportune time.
223/1316
Charlie began screaming the words “Too
late! Too late!” APROPOS of nothing.
cognizant (KOG-nih-sint). Aware of the
realities of a situation.
Amanda is always COGNIZANT of her
acquaintances’ pedigrees.
germane (jehr-MANE). Relevant, pertinent, and fitting.
“Quotes from Mao, Castro, and Che
Guevara… are as GERMANE to our
highly technological, computerized society as a stagecoach on a jet runway at
Kennedy airport.”—Saul Alinksy, American activist
224/1316
salient (SALE-yent). Relevant; germane;
important; something that stands out and
gets noticed.
The pond in the front yard is the most
SALIENT feature of our new home.
tendentious (ten-DEN-shuss). Promoting one’s beliefs or point of view.
Laura is TENDENTIOUS in extolling her
belief in the efficacy of prayer in healing
all illnesses.
NOUNS
raison d’être (RAY-zohn deh-truh). The
core reason why something exists; its
central purpose and, literally, “reason for
being.”
225/1316
When Jane’s children went off to college,
her RAISON D’ÊTRE disappeared, and
she fell into a deep depression.
sagacity (suh-GASS-ih-tee). Wisdom;
soundness of judgment.
“Our minds are endowed by nature with
such activity and SAGACITY that the soul
is believed to be produced from
heaven.”—Quintilian, Roman rhetorician
VERBS
adjudicate (uh-JOO-dih-kayt). To
preside over or listen to opposing arguments and help two parties settle their differences and come to an agreement.
As my daughters pummeled each other
while screaming at top volume, I tried
226/1316
desperately to ADJUDICATE their
quarrel.
of the facts.
After Roger’s family purchased a Mercedes C class, rather than its usual Mercedes E class, we EDUCED the Wallertons
were enduring financial difficulties.
ANTONYMS
feckless (FEK-less). Possessing an air of
casual indifference; lacking definitiveness
of purpose.
227/1316
Some accuse us of being FECKLESS, but
they have no idea how difficult it is to live
a wealth-infused lifestyle.
obtuse (ob-TOOCE). Lacking understanding, intelligence, and perception;
unable to comprehend; having a dense
mind.
Thomas was so OBTUSE that he didn’t
realize his inappropriate behavior was
making his friends uncomfortable.
obscure.
and wonder as little as
228/1316
possible.”—William James, American
psychologist and philosopher
tangential (tan-JEHN-shull). Divergent
or digressive; having little to do with the
subject or matter at hand.
“New York is full of people… with a feeling for the TANGENTIAL adventure, the
risky adventure, the interlude that’s not
likely to end in any double-ring ceremony.”—Joan Didion, American
journalist
37. Color
(KULL-er), noun
229/1316
The portion of the visible light spectrum
reflected by an object; the resulting sensation of light waves on the eye.
ADJECTIVES
cerulean (suh-RUE-lee-uhn). Being the
blue of the sky.
Boys lined up everywhere that Janis went
just to look into her CERULEAN eyes.
monochromatic (mawn-owe-kruhMAT-ik). Of a single color.
The sweep and power of Ansel Adams’s
MONOCHROMATIC photography proves
how much can be accomplished with a
roll of black-and-white film.
230/1316
olivaceous (all-uh-VAY-shuss). Dark
green, olive.
The Springfield Golf Club was known for
its OLIVACEOUS fairways.
pallid (PAL-id). Pale; faint; lacking in
color.
Nancy’s PALLID complexion was the result of poor health rather than a desire to
avoid UV rays.
pavonine (PAHV-uh-nine). Resembling
the colors of a peacock; rainbowlike.
Nature at its finest is demonstrated by
the peacock’s PAVONINE tail feathers.
pied (PYED). Having blotches of two or
more colors.
231/1316
The poet Gerard Manley Hopkins
believed the strangeness of PIED
creatures and plants was a sign of God’s
grace.
polychrome (PAWL-ee-krome). Having
many colors.
The office was a more cheerful place with
Mary’s POLYCHROME outfits.
roseate (ROH-zee-it). Rosy; rosecolored.
The ROSEATE glass in the windows gave
the room a faintly bordello flavor.
sallow (SAL-low). Sickly; grayish greenish yellow.
The SALLOW tone of Melanie’s skin led us
to wonder whether she was ill.
232/1316
spadiceous (spay-DISH-uhs). Of a
bright brown color.
It took years for the paint maker to
develop a bright brown, but they finally
released a SPADICEOUS enamel.
variegated (VAIR-ee-uh-gay-tid).
Changing color or containing different
hues of the same color.
A lawn covered in VARIEGATED fallen
leaves is the sign that Autumn is finally
here.
verdant (VUR-duhnt). Green, especially
with foliage.
With its careful mix of plants, the Whittingtons’ formal garden remains
VERDANT year-round.
233/1316
xanthic (ZAN-thik). Of yellow; yellowish.
Carrie’s pantsuit was electrified by the
addition of a XANTHIC scarf.
NOUNS
bice (BYSS). Azurite blue; medium blue.
Peter and Martha simultaneously decided
that BICE would be the best color for the
dining room.
cyan (SY-an). Greenish blue; one of the
primary colors used in printing.
The entire printing run had to be discarded because CYAN was missing.
jacinth (JAY-sinth). Reddish orange.
234/1316
JACINTH seemed like a good choice for
the kitchen until John finished painting
one wall.
metachromatism (met-uh-KRO-muhtiz-um). A change of color, especially as
the result of a change in temperature.
Spring causes a welcome
METACHROMATISM of the forest.
murrey (MURR-ee). A dark purplishred.
Peter’s “black” eye actually had a
MURREY cast.
ocher (OH-kur). Dark yellow.
The traffic lights in the artists’ colony displayed red, OCHER, and green.
235/1316
opalescence (OH-puh-LESS-enss).
Characterized by a play of colors;
iridescence.
A random mixture of tints gave the vase
an OPALESCENCE that Nancy couldn’t
reproduce despite her best efforts.
oxblood (OKS-blud). Dark, dull red.
Greg bought OXBLOOD shoes because he
believed he could wear them with blue,
gray, and brown suits.
perse (PURSS). Very dark blue or purple.
Luckily, Betty thought better of buying a
PERSE purse.
puce (PYOOCE). Dark or brownish
purple.
Eventually, Peter’s bruise turned PUCE.
236/1316
raddle (RAD-uhl). Red ocher.
RADDLE was not a better choice for the
dining room walls as it turned out.
sepia (SEE-pee-uh). Brown, grayish
brown, or olive brown.
The SEPIA of the photographs gave them
a vintage feel.
solferino (sowl-fuh-REE-noh). Vivid,
purplish pink.
Jane’s scarf demonstrated that a little
SOLFERINO goes a long way.
vermilion (vur-MILL-yun). Scarlet red;
bright red.
In her trademark VERMILION pantsuit,
Carrie really stood out in a crowd.
237/1316
ANTONYMS
achromatic (ak-ruh-MAT-ik). Having no
color.
Marcia was quite insistent in asking us to
help her interpret her ACHROMATIC
dreams.
neutral (NOO-truhl). Having little or no
color; not vivid.
Having become weary of her home’s
vibrant color scheme, Anne decided to try
the opposite tack and painted all her
walls with NEUTRAL shades.
38. Combine
(kuhm-BYN), verb
238/1316
To bring together into a whole; gather;
assemble or accumulate.
ADJECTIVES
concerted (kun-SUR-tid). Mutually
devised or planned; done or performed in
cooperation or together.
The two made a CONCERTED effort to
get Vivian to change her mind, but she
was resolute.
NOUNS
cache (KASH). Something hidden or
stored.
239/1316
Everyone was jealous when they learned
of Moira’s CACHE of acceptances to the
finest schools.
miscellany (MISS-uh-lay-nee). A grouping or collection of various elements.
The volume, which featured a hodgepodge of essays, poems, and interviews
relating to the Beats, was an intriguing
MISCELLANY of writings from the
bohemian world of the fifties.
pastiche (pah-STEESH). A haphazard
collection of items from various sources.
Ronald’s carefully crafted sculpture
looked like a PASTICHE to our untrained
eyes.
240/1316
synergy (SIN-er-jee). The combined
effort of two or more groups, agents, businesses, etc. to accomplish a common goal.
The SYNERGY demonstrated by the two
departments quickly sparked amazing
results.
synthesis (SIN-thuh-suss). A combination of elements to form a new whole.
The writer’s latest book is an intriguing
SYNTHESIS of classical Greek tragedy
and cyberpunk elements.
VERBS
accrete (uh-KREET). To accumulate or
cause to become attached.
241/1316
Every time I park my car under a tree, a
layer of bird droppings ACCRETES on its
candy apple red finish.
agglomerate (uh-GLAHM-uh-rayt). To
gather items into a ball or cluster.
Phil is so lazy he seems to think his job is
just to AGGLOMERATE all the pieces of
paper in the recycle bin.
aggregate (AG-rih-gayt). To combine or
collect parts into a whole or mass.
Many social websites are attempting to
AGGREGATE other social sites to capture
as much traffic as possible.
amalgamate (uh-MAL-guh-mayt). To
blend into a coherent single unit; to combine a number of elements into a whole.
242/1316
The two boards voted to AMALGAMATE
the firms as soon as possible.
conjoin (kuhn-JOIN). To join together or
unite; to wed.
After the battling factions CONJOINED,
they were able to accomplish peacefully
most of their separate goals.
convene (kon-VEEN). To bring together
or assemble in a body, usually for some
public purpose.
The board of trustees will CONVENE on
the first Tuesday of each month until further notice.
cull (KULL). To gather or collect a portion of a larger group.
243/1316
Consumer behavior data was CULLED
from online surveys and focus groups.
marshal (MAR-shul). To bring together
all the resources at one’s disposal to
achieve a goal.
Patricia MARSHALED all of her social
contacts to try to get a front-row ticket
for fashion week.
muster (MUSS-ter). To gather or
assemble (soldiers, etc.) for roll call,
inspection, etc.; to summon.
The bystanders paused for a moment to
MUSTER their courage before rushing
into the burning building.
244/1316
syncretize (SING-krih-tize). To combine
or unite varying parties, ideas, principles,
etc.
As the denomination’s local attendance
began to fall sharply, several churches
SYNCRETIZED their efforts to improve
overall attendance.
ANTONYMS
apportion (uh-POOR-shun). To distribute, divide, or assign appropriate shares
of.
It was the lawyer’s duty to APPORTION
the sad remains of a once-proud manufacturing empire.
245/1316
disseminate (diss-SEM-in-ayt). To distribute something so as to make it available to a large population or area.
The Internet is rapidly replacing newspapers as the primary medium for the
DISSEMINATION of news.
mete (MEET). To distribute or allot.
After Elyssia’s shopping spree, her father
METED out substantial punishment by
taking away her credit cards.
39. Command
(kuh-MAND), verb
To issue an order or orders; direct with
authority; to have authority over; control.
246/1316
ADJECTIVES
peremptory (puh-REMP-tuh-ree).
Allowing for no rebuttal or overturning.
Kings may issue PEREMPTORY declarations of war, Mr. Secretary; presidents
are obliged to discuss such matters with
Congress.
NOUNS
imperative (im-PAIR-uh-tiv). A command or an essential objective.
Peggy’s mother considered the 11:00 P.M.
curfew as a nonnegotiable IMPERATIVE
even if the teenager had a more casual
interpretation.
247/1316
mandate (MAN-dayt). Authoritative
command, endorsement, or instruction;
an order issued by one court of law to
another, lower court.
When the MANDATE was issued, we discovered our business plan had become
illegal.
VERBS
adjure (uh-JOOR). To command solemnly as if under oath, often under the
threat of some sort of penalty.
The witnesses were ADJURED to avoid
any contact with the accused.
enjoin (ehn-JOYN). To direct or order
someone to do something.
248/1316
After purchasing one too many Bentleys,
Alex was ENJOINED by his father to be
more frugal.
interdict (in-ter-DIKT). To prohibit; to
forbid the use of something.
The court’s emergency decision was
designed to INTERDICT the strike and
prevent the violence that had occurred
during the last workers’ demonstration.
proscribe (pro-SCRIBE). To forbid or
prohibit.
State law PROSCRIBES the keeping of
wild animals as house pets.
stipulate (STIP-yoo-layt). To make a specific demand or arrangement as a condition of agreement.
249/1316
The contract was quite clear; it
STIPULATED the delivery date.
ANTONYMS
countermand (KOUNT-er-mand). To
cancel officially, especially to cancel a previous order.
Once Harold began smoking again, he
COUNTERMANDED the no-smoking
policy he’d recently adopted for his
business.
See also: Authority
40. Commotion
(kuh-MOH-shun), noun
250/1316
Violent motion; turmoil; agitation; confusion; disturbance.
ADJECTIVES
clamorous (KLAM-uhr-uss). Loud;
expressively vehement; noisy and
demanding.
The throngs in the street roared with
CLAMOROUS applause.
clarion (KLAR-ee-uhn). Clear and shrill.
On the first day back to school, Robby
groaned at the CLARION call of his
morning alarm.
251/1316
tempestuous (tem-PESS-chew-uss).
Tumultuous and turbulent, as a
personality.
Claire’s TEMPESTUOUS personality is
most likely linked to the fact that her
father has married and remarried an
excessive number of times.
vociferous (vo-SIF-er-uss). Loud and
insistent so as to gain the listener’s
attention.
“Let the singing singers / With vocal
voices, most VOCIFEROUS, / In sweet
vociferation out-vociferize / Even sound
itself.”—Henry Carey, English poet
252/1316
NOUNS
fracas (FRAK-us). Commotion; a noisy
disagreement.
The nightly FRACAS between the couple
next door is always loud enough to wake
me out of a sound sleep.
hubbub (HUB-ub). Noise and confusion;
an outburst.
The HUBBUB outside our window came
as a surprise; the parade was not due for
an hour, yet the streets were already
thronged with people.
perturbation (purr-ter-BAY-shun). Any
disturbance that alters the normal functioning of a system, moving object, person, or process.
253/1316
“O polished PERTURBATION! golden
care! / That keep’st the ports of slumber
open wide / To many a watchful
night.”—William Shakespeare
yawp (YAWP). A raucous, clamorous
noise.
“I sound my barbaric YAWP over the
roofs of the world.”—Walt Whitman,
American poet and humanist
ANTONYMS
halcyon (HAL-see-un). Calm, peaceful,
tranquil.
After a hard, stormy winter, townspeople
were entranced by the HALCYON
weather of our spring.
254/1316
tranquility (trang-KWIL-ih-tee). The
state of being tranquil; calmness; serenity;
peacefulness.
After a long day in the city, Andrew
longed for the TRANQUILITY of his house
buried in the country.
41. Complain
(kuhm-PLAYN), verb
To express pain or dissatisfaction; to find
fault; to declare annoyance, resentment,
or grief.
255/1316
ADJECTIVES
querulous (KWAIR-eh-luss). Habitually
whining and griping.
Their QUERULOUS manner with the
waiter made them unpleasant and
embarrassing dinner companions.
NOUNS
malcontent (mal-kuhn-TENT). A discontented, resentful, or rebellious person.
Harvey is such a MALCONTENT that
he’ll argue with you if you tell him it’s a
nice day!
256/1316
VERBS
carp (KARP). To raise picky, trivial objections; complain peevishly.
All the CARPING at the staff meeting kept
anything substantive from being done.
cavil (KAV-il). To find fault with
something; to raise objections needlessly.
Town meetings take twice as long as they
should because some citizens use the
event as a forum to CAVIL.
grouse (GRAUSS). To complain or
grumble about one’s situation.
We decided not to return to the restaurant after the maître d’ continuously
GROUSED about the slovenliness of his
waitstaff.
257/1316
inveigh (in-VAY). To protest strongly; to
rail.
The crowd INVEIGHED against the governor’s decision to commute Davidson’s
sentence.
When Carlotta REMONSTRATED
against our snubbing of Julia, we simply
began to snub Carlotta as well.
ANTONYMS
rejoice (rih-JOYCE). To be glad and take
delight in.
“Time is too slow for those who wait, too
swift for those who fear, too long for
those who grieve, too short for those who
258/1316
REJOICE , but for those who love, time is
eternity.”—Henry Van Dyke, American
short story writer and poet
revel (REV-uhl). To take much pleasure,
delight.
“From every blush that kindles in thy
cheeks, / Ten thousand little loves and
graces spring / To REVEL in the
roses.”—Nicholas Rowe, English dramatist and poet
42. Complex
(kuhm-PLEKS), adjective
Not simple; complicated; elaborate; characterized by many related parts.
259/1316
ADJECTIVES
anfractuous (an-FRACK-chuh-wuss).
Full of windings and intricacies, like a
good mystery novel.
The novel’s ANFRACTUOUS plot worked
on paper, but it became stupefyingly confusing—actually, just plain stupid—onscreen.
convoluted (KON-vuh-loo-tid). Complicated; twisted and coiled.
After listening to his CONVOLUTED directions, I thanked the farmer and drove
away vowing to buy a GPS device as soon
as possible.
260/1316
daedal (DEE-duhl). Extremely intricate
and complex; skillfully made.
I thought I could repair my computer
until I got a look at the machine’s
DAEDAL circuitry.
inextricable (in-eck-STRICK-uh-bull).
Incapable of being disentangled or untied;
hopelessly complex.
The INEXTRICABLE problem remained
unsolved, even after the company’s best
minds spent three days attacking it.
involute (IN-vuh-loot). Intricate;
involved.
The INVOLUTE diagrams in the owner’s
manual did not help George sort out his
old sports car’s electrical system.
261/1316
tortuous (TORE-choo-uss). Winding;
full of twists and turns.
Drive safely; the road leading from the
center of town up the side of the mountain is a TORTUOUS one.
VERBS
obfuscate (OB-fuss-kayt). To muddy or
confuse an issue; to muddle facts important to someone else’s judgment or
decision.
The defense has put up with enough of
these attempts to OBFUSCATE, Your
Honor.
262/1316
ANTONYMS
unalloyed (un-uh-LOID). Not mixed
with any other materials; pure.
John found it refreshing to watch his toddler’s UNALLOYED pleasure when playing with soap bubbles.
unpretentious (un-prih-TEN-shuss).
Modest; without showy display; simple;
plain.
“Those who are firm, enduring, simple
and UNPRETENTIOUS are the nearest to
virtue.”—Confucius
See also: Difficult
43. Compliment
(KOM-pluh-ment), verb
263/1316
To express or convey a compliment; confer admiration, respect, or praise; politely
flatter.
ADJECTIVES
adulatory (AJ-uh-luh-tore-ee). Complimentary; giving effusive praise.
“He includes in his final chapter a passage of ADULATORY prose from Henry
James.”—Joyce Carol Oates, American
author
laudable (LAW-duh-bull). Commendable; deserving of praise.
Rebecca’s decision to tell her mother that
she lost the emerald brooch she borrowed
without permission was LAUDABLE.
264/1316
NOUNS
blandishments (BLAN-dish-ments).
Compliments rendered primarily to influence and gain favor with the person you
are praising.
The BLANDISHMENTS heaped upon the
consultant by his clients were not sufficient to persuade him to take a staff position with them.
claque (KLAK). A group of people hired
to applaud at an entertainment event.
The first comedian was absolutely terrible; if it hadn’t been for the CLAQUE the
management had assembled at the last
minute, there wouldn’t have been any
applause at all.
265/1316
encomium (en-KO-me-um). Effusive
praise given in a public forum.
The CEO’s ENCOMIUM at Phil’s retirement dinner caused his eyes to mist over.
hagiography (hag-ee-OG-ruh-fee). A
biography that idealizes its subject.
The Van Gelders were disappointed with
the volume written about their illustrious
descendants because the book fell far
short of being a HAGIOGRAPHY.
hosanna (ho-ZAN-uh). An expression of
praise, exaltation, and adoration typically
heard in religious ceremonies; an instance
of excessive praise.
Mel’s agent warned him not to take too
seriously the HOSANNAS that came his
way after he won the acting award.
266/1316
plaudit (PLAW-dit). An expression of
gratitude or praise; applause.
I am unworthy, my friends, of the
PLAUDITS you have bestowed on me this
evening.
sycophant (SIK-uh-fuhnt). A self-seeking person attempting to gain an advantage using flattery.
Outwardly polite, the rock star secretly
viewed his fans as slobbering
SYCOPHANTS.
VERBS
extol (eks-TOLE). To praise with great
enthusiasm.
267/1316
Iris has not ceased to EXTOL the virtues
of her new Romain Jerome Day & Night
watch.
ANTONYMS
deprecate (DEP-rih-kayt). To express
severe disapproval of another’s actions.
“Those who profess to favor freedom and
yet DEPRECATE agitation, are men who
want crops without plowing up the
ground.”—Frederick Douglass, American
abolitionist and orator
disparage (dih-SPAIR-ihj). To bring
reproach or discredit upon; belittle.
“But the DISPARAGING of those we love
always alienates us from them to some
extent. We must not touch our idols; the
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gilt comes off in our hands.”—Gustave
Flaubert, French novelist
44. Concise
(kun-SICE), adjective
Brief and to the point; expressing a great
deal in a few words.
ADJECTIVES
compendious (kuhm-PEN-dee-us).
Concise, succinct; to the point.
Sheila is unable to tell COMPENDIOUS
stories about her trips to the Riviera.
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elliptical (uh-LIP-tuh-kuhl). Expressed
with extreme economy, free of extraneous
matter.
Ernest Hemingway was known for his
ELLIPTICAL style of writing.
epigrammatic (eh-pih-gruh-MAT-ik).
Similar to an epigram; terse and clever in
expression.
All of us in the office looked forward to
receiving one of Tony’s EPIGRAMMATIC
e-mail messages.
gnomic (NOH-mik). Pithy; pertaining to
a writer of aphorisms.
It was difficult to grasp whether the
speaker’s GNOMIC remembrances were
meant to be complimentary.
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words.
pauciloquent (paw-SIL-oh-kwent).
Using few words; concise in speech.
My father, PAUCILOQUENT to the end,
simply said “Goodbye” and expired.
sententious (sen-TEN-shuss). Tending
to use many pithy aphorisms or maxims in
order to enlighten others.
Polonius’s SENTENTIOUS manner of
speaking clearly irritates Hamlet in this
scene.
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succinct (suck-SINKT). Brief; pithy;
concise.
Norman preferred to say a SUCCINCT
goodbye to his brother before getting into
the cab, rather than engaging in a long,
drawn-out scene at the train station.
synoptic (sin-OP-tik). Forming or
involving a synopsis or summary.
The close of a presentation should be
SYNOPTIC in nature.
taciturn (TASS-ih-turn). Reserved;
uncommunicative; speaking few words.
“Nature is garrulous to the point of confusion, let the artist be truly
TACITURN.”—Paul Klee, German-born
Swiss painter
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NOUNS
brevity (BREV-ih-tee). Shortness;
terseness.
Paine’s argument was stated with such
BREVITY and passion that within one
short month of its publication every colonist seemed to be in favor of independence from Britain.
VERBS
recapitulate (ree-kuh-PITCH-uh-layt).
To summarize in concise form; restate
briefly.
Sgt. Dennis, an eyewitness,
RECAPITULATED the incident to his
superiors at headquarters.
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ANTONYMS
diffuse (dih-FYOOS). Widely spread;
characterized by great length in writing or
speech; wordy.
“To get the right word in the right place is
a rare achievement. To condense the
DIFFUSED light of a page of thought into
the luminous flash of a single sentence, is
worthy to rank as a prize composition
just by itself.”—Mark Twain, American
humorist and writer
expansive (ik-SPAN-siv). Widely extended; broad; extensive.
Having been severely criticized for his
reticence during previous press conferences, the spokesman gave an
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EXPANSIVE account of the situation for
the audience.
See also: Change, Reduce
45. Conflict
(KON-flikt), noun
A fight, battle, or struggle; controversy;
incompatibility.
NOUNS
contention (kuhn-TEN-shun). Strife,
especially verbal conflict; argument.
Suddenly, the town meeting was the
scene of heated political CONTENTION.
contravention (kon-truh-VEN-shun).
An instance of contradiction or
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opposition; violation; the condition of
being overruled or disobeyed.
Your appearance here without the full
report is in blatant CONTRAVENTION of
the instructions laid out in my memo.
discord (DIS-kord). Lack of harmony;
disagreement; quarreling between parties.
Lack of communication skills is responsible for much marital DISCORD.
dissension (dih-SEN-shun). Disagreement, especially among people in a group.
New rules favoring older members of the
club caused great DISSENSION and a
fracturing of long-standing alliances.
melee (MAY-lay). A confused struggle
involving many people.
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“The man who is in the MELEE knows
what blows are being struck and what
blood is being drawn.”—Woodrow Wilson
nemesis (NEM-uh-sis). An opponent one
is unable to defeat.
“How wonderful to live with one’s
NEMESIS! You may be miserable, but
you feel forever in the right.”—Erica
Jong, American author and teacher
rancor (RANG-ker). Conflict between
individuals or groups, usually resulting
from disagreement over an action or issue,
and accompanied by ill will, bad feelings,
and an escalation of the dispute over time.
“They no longer assume responsibility (as
beat cops used to do) for averting
RANCOR between antagonistic
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neighbors.”—Harlan Ellison, American
author
ANTONYMS
conciliation (kuhn-sill-ee-A-shun). The
act of making peace; reconciliation;
appeasement.
“I appeal to all Irishmen to pause, to
stretch out the hand of forbearance and
CONCILIATION, to forgive and forget,
and to join with me in making for the
land they love a new era of peace, contentment and goodwill.”—George V, English king
concord (KON-kord). Friendly and
peaceful relations, as between nations;
agreement; harmony.
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“If there is a country in the world where
CONCORD, according to common calculation, would be least expected, it is
America.”—Thomas Paine, EnglishAmerican writer and political
pamphleteer
46. Confused
(kon-FYOOZD), adjective
Perplexed or disconcerted; disordered;
mixed up.
ADJECTIVES
addled (ADD-ulld). Thrown into confusion; confounded.
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After studying all night, Aaron’s
ADDLED brain couldn’t focus on the
exam.
bemused (bee-MYOOZD). Bewildered,
perplexed, or lost in reflection.
Victor stared BEMUSED at the photograph of his father in full military
dress—a man he had never thought of in
quite that way.
discombobulated (diss-kum-BOB-yoolayt-ed). Confused or thrown into an awkward predicament; utterly disconcerted.
The frenzied pace of eight hours on the
trading floor had left me utterly
DISCOMBOBULATED.
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flummoxed (FLUHM-uckst). Completely bewildered.
The appearance of his ex-wife was so
unexpected that Jason was momentarily
FLUMMOXED.
nebulous (NEB-yoo-luss). Vague and not
well thought out; ill-defined; lacking
concretes.
Jay’s plans for what he would do when he
graduated college were NEBULOUS at
best.
obscurant (uhb-SKYOOR-unt). Tending
to make obscure; preventing
understanding.
Jason often used OBSCURANT terms
when talking with people he didn’t like.
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quizzical (KWIHZ-ih-kuhl). Showing
puzzled amusement or disbelief.
The QUIZZICAL look on Amanda’s face,
when a perfect stranger proposed marriage, was absolutely priceless.
NOUNS
farrago (fuh-RAWG-oh). A careless, confused mixture; mish-mash.
My four-year-old, who picked out his
own outfit for the first time this morning,
walked into the kitchen sporting a
FARRAGO of mismatched clothing.
nonplussed (non-PLUSST). A state of
utter perplexity in which one is unable to
act further.
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Arthur admitted later that he was
NONPLUSSED by Jean’s unexpected
admission of complicity in the plot to
steal the physics final exam.
quandary (KWON-dree). A state of
uncertainty about one’s next move.
Estelle realized that her unrestrained
comments to the society pages had left
the rest of us quite upset, and she was in a
QUANDARY as to how to repair the
situation.
snafu (snah-FOO). An egregious but
common error.
Supposedly, the word “SNAFU” is an
acronym of the phrase “Situation normal,
all fouled up” or something similar.
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VERBS
conflate (kuhn-FLAYT). To fuse
together; especially to mistakenly think of
separate concepts, actions, or things as
identical.
The lawyer told the jury they should not
CONFLATE a warning with a threat.
obfuscate (AHB-fuh-skayt). To talk or
write about a subject in a way that deliberately makes it unclear, selectively omits
certain facts, or communicates wrong
ideas or impressions, so that the listener
or reader does not grasp the whole truth
of the situation.
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Despite his Ivy League education, Alexander seems able only to OBFUSCATE any
subject upon which he touches.
ANTONYMS
decipher (dih-SY-fer). To translate from
meaningless code; to discover the meaning of; to interpret.
“All in all, the creative act is not performed by the artist alone; the spectator
brings the work in contact with the
external world by DECIPHERING and
interpreting its inner qualifications and
thus adds his contribution to the creative
act.”—Marcel Duchamp, French artist
illuminate (ih-LOO-muh-nayt). To make
clear; to enlighten intellectually.
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“Derive happiness in oneself from a good
day’s work, from ILLUMINATING the
fog that surrounds us.”—Henri Matisse,
French painter
47. Consistent
(kuhn-SIS-tuhnt), adjective
Holding to the same practice or principles; constant adherence; compatible;
harmonious.
ADJECTIVES
assiduous (uh-SID-joo-us). Constant;
unceasing in effort; persistent; diligent;
unremitting and attentive.
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Karen was ASSIDUOUS in completing
her final project, but was still one day
late.
coherent (koh-HEER-uhnt). Logically
arranged; consistent; harmonious.
The marketing team was able to develop
a COHERENT promotional plan for maximum effect.
homogeneous (ho-mo-JEE-nee-uss).
The same throughout; made up of like
parts; not heterogeneous.
The island supported a small
HOMOGENEOUS population of aboriginal tribes.
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isochronous (eye-SOCK-ruh-ness).
Occurring consistently at regular
intervals.
The ticking of a clock is ISOCHRONOUS,
but the arrival of the elevator at different
floors is not.
symmetrical (sih-MET-rih-kuhl). Having a shape or form that is regular and
uniform.
Because the disease was SYMMETRICAL
in its progression, treatment could be directed more accurately.
ANTONYMS
erratic (ih-RAT-ik). Inconsistent; lacking
a set course; wandering or fluctuating
unpredictably.
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Elaine’s ERRATIC writing style irritated
her superiors, who had no time to puzzle
over an indecipherable and meandering
memo.
oscillate (OSS-ih-layt). To sway back and
forth; vacillate.
My two-year-old nephew was mesmerized by the fish tank, with its colorful fish,
OSCILLATING plants, and soft lighting.
48. Correct
(kuh-REKT), verb
To make right, accurate, or true; remove
errors from; to cause to conform to a
standard; to point out the errors; to scold
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(someone) in order to make
improvements.
ADJECTIVES
curative (KYOOR-uh-tiv). Providing a
remedy; able to provide alleviation of an
ailment.
The CURATIVE measures were slow but
effective; Joseph eventually recovered
completely.
VERBS
ameliorate (uh-MEEL-yuh-rayt). To
improve or upgrade; to make an unacceptable state of affairs better or put right.
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The ambassador’s midnight visit was the
first step taken to AMELIORATE the poor
relations between the two countries, and
may actually have averted war.
amend (uh-MEND). To modify or
update; to remove or correct faults;
improve.
In light of the testimony we’ve heard
tonight, Madame President, I’d like to
AMEND my earlier remarks.
castigate (KAS-tuh-gayt). To scold or criticize harshly, with the objective of assigning blame and motivating others to
correct their errors.
The bartender was CASTIGATED by his
boss for serving alcohol to two teenage
girls without checking their IDs first.
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emend (ee-MEND). To correct or remove
faults, as from a text.
Blanche EMENDED her holiday wish list,
removing the Ferrari watch and replacing it with a Versace dinner plate.
rectify (REK-tih-fy). To put right; to
correct.
Ellen RECTIFIED her previous mistakes
and filed the report.
redress (ree-DRESS). To remedy; rectify.
“When griping grief the heart doth
wound, / and doleful dumps the mind
opress, then music, with her silver sound,
/ with speedy help doth lend
REDRESS.”—William Shakespeare
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revamp (ree-VAMP). To redo; to renovate thoroughly.
The playwright decided to REVAMP several of the weaker scenes in the first act.
ANTONYMS
irremediable (ihr-ree-MEE-dee-uhbull). Unable to be repaired, cured, or
remedied.
One too many arguments between Rose
and Jim finally caused an
IRREMEDIABLE rift in their fragile
relationship.
49. Crimes
(KRYMZ), noun
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Acts committed in violation of a law prohibiting them or omitted in violation of a
law ordering them; wrongful acts that are
punishable by law.
ADJECTIVES
felonious (fuh-LONE-ee-uss). Criminal;
villainous; reminiscent of or relating to a
felony crime.
Although no court in the land would consider it FELONIOUS, my brother’s
attempt to blackmail me over that little
dent I put in my parent’s car was, in my
mind, worthy of a long jail sentence.
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illicit (ih-LISS-it). Illegal or morally
unjustifiable; something not sanctioned
by custom or law.
We all know now that the money was
acquired through ILLICIT means, don’t
we?
NOUNS
arson (AR-suhn). The act of destroying
property with fire.
After Councilor Perry’s campaign
headquarters burned down, his supporters were quick to accuse their opponents
of ARSON; in fact, one of their own neglected cigarette butts was to blame.
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bigamy (BIG-uh-mee). The crime of taking marriage vows while still legally married to someone else.
By marrying June before her divorce was
finalized, Stanley was technically guilty
of BIGAMY.
complicity (kum-PLISS-uh-tee). To be
involved in or associated with, or to participate in or have previous knowledge of,
an instance of wrongdoing.
Although he did not receive money for
throwing the 1919 World Series, Buck
Weaver was nevertheless suspended from
baseball for life, because his failure to
expose the scheme was seen as
COMPLICITY in his teammates’ plans.
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contraband (KON-truh-band). Illegal or
prohibited goods.
Jean tried to smuggle a tape recorder
into the concert, but her CONTRABAND
was quickly discovered and taken from
her.
pyromania (pye-roe-MAY-nee-uh). The
compulsion to set fires.
Police believe that the blaze is not the
work of an arsonist out for commercial
gain, as was initially suspected, but an
act of PYROMANIA.
transgression (trans-GRESH-un). A
violation of a rule; the breaking of a law or
guideline.
David was perhaps a little too eager to
cross over into Mr. Peterson’s yard to
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play ball, but this was a minor
TRANSGRESSION.
uxoricide (uk-SOR-ih-syd). The crime of
murdering one’s wife.
Eventually, the defendant was acquitted
of UXORICIDE when his wife’s death was
ruled a suicide.
vaticide (VAT-uh-syd). The act of murdering a prophet.
Tom took the reviewer’s negative article
on his religious poetry as an act tantamount to VATICIDE.
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VERBS
embezzle (im-BEZ-ul). To appropriate
for oneself funds that were placed in one’s
care for another party.
Bill had always seemed to be a model
employee, so the news that he had been
EMBEZZLING money from the company
for some years came as a complete shock
to us all.
indict (in-DITE). To charge formally with
a crime or offense.
Rumors that Mr. Brown would soon be
INDICTED for his part in the scandal
swept the city.
pilfer (PIL-fer). To take without authorization or permission; to steal.
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I had a feeling the tickets Wayne was trying to sell me had been PILFERED from
someone, but he assured me that was not
the case.
ANTONYMS
sanctioned (SANGK-shund). Officially
authorized; approved; allowed; permitted.
“The principles on which we engaged, of
which the charter of our independence is
the record, were SANCTIONED by the
laws of our being, and we but obeyed
them in pursuing undeviatingly the
course they called for.”—Thomas Jefferson, American president
scrupulous (SKROO-pyoo-lus). Characterized by a conscientious adherence to
300/1316
what is considered true, right, or accurate;
honest.
The success of John’s nefarious plan
depended on his assumption that law
enforcement was less SCRUPULOUS in
that part of the world.
See also: Dishonest
50. Criticize
(KRIT-uh-syz), verb
To analyze and judge as a critic; to find
fault with or censure; to make judgments.
301/1316
ADJECTIVES
censorious (sen-SOR-ee-us). Critical;
easily finding fault.
When it came to grading term papers,
Mrs. Edwards was seen by many as
overly CENSORIOUS, even taking off
points for using a paper clip instead of a
staple.
hypercritical (hy-purr-KRIT-ih-kuhl).
Excessively or meticulously critical.
“Good writers have two things in common: they would rather be understood
than admired, and they do not write for
hairsplitting and HYPERCRITICAL readers.”—Friedrich Nietzsche, German
philosopher
302/1316
NOUNS
diatribe (DIE-uh-tryb). A speech railing
against injustice; a vehement
denunciation.
The editorial was a mean-spirited
DIATRIBE against school vouchers, written to prevent children from other towns
from being sent by bus to Centerville
High School.
screed (SKREED). A long written argument; an argumentative essay; a long,
monotonous speech or piece of writing; a
diatribe.
The newspaper’s editor was the recipient
of a mountain of SCREEDS from
303/1316
outraged citizens criticizing the board of
selectmen’s policies.
VERBS
castigate (KAS-tuh-gayt). To scold or criticize harshly, with the objective of assigning blame and motivating the other
person to correct his or her error.
girls without checking their ID first.
cavil (KAV-uhl). To find fault in trivial
matters or raise petty objections.
Susan CAVILLED for some time about the
lateness of the milk delivery, but since it
was only a matter of minutes, she eventually gave in and paid the bill.
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chide (chyd). To scold or lecture; to
reprove.
My brother CHIDED me for neglecting to
visit our grandparents during my trip to
California.
reproach or discredit upon; belittle.
“Man’s constant need to DISPARAGE
woman, to humble her, to deny her equal
rights, and to belittle her achievements—all are expressions of his innate
envy and fear.”—Elizabeth Gould Davis,
American feminist and author
excoriate (ik-SKORE-ee-ayt). To criticize; to attempt to censure or punish.
305/1316
We EXCORIATED Melanie for inviting
people with no family connections to her
birthday party.
fulminate (FULL-mih-nayt). To explode.
Also: to denounce loudly or forcefully.
Edmond FULMINATED against the bill
on the floor of the Senate, but he knew he
did not have the votes to defeat it.
lambaste (lam-BAYST). To berate or criticize harshly, especially in an unkind way.
We LAMBASTED Marla for not visiting
Comme des Garçons during her recent
weekender to Beijing.
objurgate (OB-jur-gayt). To chide
sharply; rebuke; upbraid vehemently;
berate.
306/1316
Mr. Williams worked himself into a
frenzy waiting to OBJURGATE his new
salesman for losing the Duckhorn
account.
oppugn (uh-PYOON). To reason against;
oppose with argument; call in question.
Matt made a critical mistake when he
OPPUGNED his rival’s credentials.
reprehend (rep-ruh-HEND). To find
fault with; voice disapproval of.
That Arnold REPREHENDS his daughter’s wayward behavior seems somewhat
hypocritical to those of us who knew him
in his youth.
reprove (ree-PROOV). To criticize and
correct others.
307/1316
We had to REPROVE Elyssia for some of
her questionable fashion choices.
scarify (SKAIR-ih-fy). To wound with
harsh criticism.
We deemed it necessary to SCARIFY
Eileen for having the nerve to criticize
our motives.
upbraid (up-BRAYD). To censure or to
find fault with.
Roger UPBRAIDED the butler severely
when we learned he was gossiping to
other members of our staff.
308/1316
ANTONYMS
We promoted Carla to upstairs maid
because her job performance has been
UNIMPEACHABLE.
See also: Abuse
51. Cross
(KRAWSS), adjective
Contrary; ill-tempered; cranky; easily
annoyed.
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ADJECTIVES
Doug is so touchy about his new car that
he’ll instantly turn BELLICOSE if you so
much as brush against it.
cantankerous (kan-TANG-ker-us). Illtempered; grumpy.
“You kids stay off my lawn!” our
CANTANKEROUS old neighbor barked.
captious (KAP-shuss). Fond of finding
faults in others; ill-natured and overly
critical; carping.
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Ed’s CAPTIOUS remarks were entirely
inappropriate and showed his lack of
self-esteem.
churlish (CHUR-lish). Surly; mean;
boorish; rude; characterized by a lack of
We found it almost impossible to believe
that Diane’s new boyfriend was more
CHURLISH than his predecessor.
dyspeptic (diss-PEP-tik). Irritable and
ill-humored.
No wonder Fred can’t get a girlfriend.
His DYSPEPTIC temperament drives all
potential mates away.
farouche (fuh-ROOSH). Unsociable;
cranky; withdrawn; fierce.
311/1316
Your FAROUCHE behavior will not win
you any friends. In fact, it will simply alienate you from everyone.
peevish (PEE-vish). Irritable; fretful;
hard to please; easily and often showing
impatience or ill humor.
Brock is normally pleasant and goodhumored, but his illness with its persistent fever has made him PEEVISH.
petulant (PETCH-uh-lunt). Impatiently
peevish; showing great annoyance or irritation with minor problems.
He dismissed their questions with a
PETULANT wave of the hand and quickly
changed the subject.
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pugnacious (pug-NAY-shuss). Inclined
to argue and debate every last thing.
Joey was PUGNACIOUS by nature and
could never let go of an argument until he
believed he had won.
splenetic (splih-NET-ik). Bad-tempered;
irritable; spiteful; malevolent.
As soon as we met her mother, we could
see that Jane’s SPLENETIC comments
were a self-defense mechanism.
waspish (WAWS-pish). Irascible and
petulant; given to resentment.
Rebecca can be WASPISH, but we forgive
her because she throws the best galas.
313/1316
NOUNS
Xanthippe (zan-TIP-ee). Wife of
Socrates; an ill-tempered, shrewish
woman.
Felicia is far from a XANTHIPPE simply
because she interacts only with certain
members of the household staff.
ANTONYMS
affable (AFF-uh-bull). Pleasant and
polite; agreeable; warm.
We believed that Grace had such an
AFFABLE personality because she grew
up with seven siblings.
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sympathetic (sim-puh-THET-ik). In
agreement with another’s mood, feelings,
disposition, etc.; congenial.
“Resolve to be tender with the young,
compassionate with the aged,
SYMPATHETIC with the striving, and
tolerant with the weak and the wrong.
Sometime in your life you will have been
all of these.”—Robert Goddard, American
rocket engineer
D
52. Deceitful
(dih-SEET-fuhl), adjective
Tending or apt to deceive, lie, or cheat;
misleading; false; fraudulent.
ADJECTIVES
duplicitous (doo-PLIS-ih-tus). Characterized by hypocritical deception or
cunning; double-dealing.
His DUPLICITOUS behavior disappointed and hurt his friends, and eventually
Mike found himself alone.
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gullible (GULL-ih-bull). Easily cheated,
tricked, or deceived.
I’m afraid Terry is a little too GULLIBLE
to survive for long as an aspiring actor in
a city like New York.
illusory (ih-LOO-suh-ree). Giving a false
appearance of being real; seeming genuine
but probably fake or deceptive.
After she moved to the beach, Lorna
expected to feel joy but instead found that
joy ILLUSORY.
insidious (in-SIHD-ee-uss). Designed to
entrap; happening or spreading harmfully
but subtly; stealthily and seductively
treacherous.
317/1316
Mark’s chess games were full of
INSIDIOUS traps meant to lull his
opponent into a sense of complacency.
Machiavellian (mack-ee-uh-VEL-eeuhn). Unscrupulous and self-centered;
manipulative; cunning.
We can hardly be called
MACHIAVELLIAN simply because we do
what we need to do to hold on to the luxurious lifestyle to which we have become
accustomed.
perfidious (per-FID-ee-us). Faithless;
treacherous; not able to be trusted.
Once again, Heather’s heart was broken
by a PERFIDIOUS lover.
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sanctimonious (sank-tih-MOWN-eeus). Overbearingly self-righteous; smug;
hypocritically righteous.
“Not but I’ve every reason not to care /
What happens to him if it only takes /
Some of the SANCTIMONIOUS conceit /
Out of one of those pious
scalawags.”—Robert Frost, American
poet
unctuous (UNK-chew-us). Possessing an
untrustworthy or dubious nature; characterized by an insincere manner.
Local car dealers doing their own TV
commercials often communicate in an
UNCTUOUS, almost laughable manner.
319/1316
NOUNS
artifice (AR-tih-fiss). The use of clever
strategies and cunning methods to fool or
best others and tip an outcome in one’s
favor.
“Every art and ARTIFICE has been practiced and perpetrated to destroy the
rights of man.”—Robert Ingersoll, American orator
charlatan (SHAR-luh-tun). A fake;
fraud; a person falsely claiming to possess
a given level of status, skills, or knowledge
in order to deceive others.
The defendant, it has been claimed, is a
CHARLATAN and a liar—but where is the
evidence for this?
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chicanery (shih-KAIN-uh-ree). Cheating
or deception, especially through the use of
language.
The way the candidate consistently
quibbled about the precise meaning of his
statements made me feel he was guilty of
CHICANERY.
mountebank (MOUNT-uh-bank). A
charlatan; one who sells worthless medicines, potions, and the like; a fake; an
unscrupulous pretender.
The line between visionary romantic and
common MOUNTEBANK, for my father,
was often a thin one.
poseur (poh-ZUR). A person who
attempts to impress or obtain the
approval of others by assuming
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characteristics not truly his own; an
affected person.
Whenever Bobby saw a POSEUR, he
would comment, “Big hat, no cattle.”
red herring (red HAIR-ing). Something
intended to mislead others from the real
issue or problem; a deception.
The board of selectmen’s discussion of
sewers was a RED HERRING and had
nothing to do with the increase in taxes.
sophistry (SOF-iss-tree). Subtly misleading argument or reasoning.
I believe this jury is too sophisticated to
be taken in by the SOPHISTRIES the
defense has offered.
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subterfuge (SUB-tur-fyooj). A misleading ruse or cunning evasion; a strategic
avoidance employing deceit.
Nick knew he would have to come up with
a clever SUBTERFUGE to get out of
going to another boring Sunday dinner
at his grandparents’ home.
wile (WYL). A clever trick meant to attain
a goal; an instance of or talent for beguiling deceit.
Headquarters trusts, as always, that the
information you have been given is
secure even from the WILES of a spy of
the opposite sex.
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VERBS
bamboozle (bam-BOO-zul). To deceive;
trick.
Fred was BAMBOOZLED out of $15,000
by a con artist who convinced him to
invest money in nonexistent real estate.
dissemble (dih-SEM-bul). To act with an
insincere or disguised motive.
Although many on the committee were
convinced that the undersecretary was
DISSEMBLING about how much he knew
of rebel activities, there was no hard
proof to support this view.
finagle (fih-NAY-gul). To wangle; to use
clever, often underhanded methods to
achieve one’s desires.
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Justin FINAGLED his way into the press
conference by borrowing a pass from
another reporter.
purport (per-PORT). To claim to be
something you are not; to pretend to do
something you aren’t in fact doing.
“Doris Lessing PURPORTS to remember
in the most minute detail the moth-eaten
party dresses she pulled, at age thirteen,
from her mother’s trunk.”—Tim Parks,
British novelist
wangle (WANG-guhl). To accomplish by
underhanded methods.
Jennifer managed to WANGLE an invitation to the Clarksons’ party, even though
she is the gauchest of the area’s
newcomers.
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ANTONYMS
guileless (GYL-liss). Without guile; candid; frank.
“There is a strange glow on the face of a
GUILELESS person. Inner cleanliness has
its own soap and water—the soap of
strong faith and the water of constant
practice.”—Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Indian
spiritual leader
veracious (vuh-RAY-shuss). Honest;
truthful.
Your Honor, I ask that the defense’s
assertion that none of the prosecution’s
witnesses are VERACIOUS be stricken
from the record.
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53. Declare
(dih-KLAIR), verb
To make clearly known; state or announce
in definite or formal terms; to announce
officially or emphatically.
NOUNS
avowal (uh-VOW-uhl). An open admission or statement.
He had run as a Democrat for over thirty
years, so his AVOWAL of support for the
Republican ticket shocked many voters.
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VERBS
allege (uh-LEJ). To state without proof;
to declare as a reason or excuse.
The media are usually quick to ALLEGE a
celebrity’s mistake or wrongdoing in
order to create interest.
aver (uh-VER). To assert the truthfulness
of a statement.
“‘Has she no faults, then (Envy says), sir?’
/ Yes, she has one, I must AVER: / When
all the world conspires to praise her, /
The woman’s deaf, and does not
hear.”—Alexander Pope, British poet
contend (kuhn-TEND). To maintain; to
hold to be a fact; assert.
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After years in prison, Arthur still
CONTENDS that he is innocent.
postulate (POSS-chuh-layt). A theory,
belief, hypothesis, or principle based on
an analysis of known facts.
“The primacy of human personality has
been a POSTULATE both of Christianity
and of liberal democracy.”—Julian Huxley, English evolutionary biologist
tout (TOWT). To publicize in a boastful,
extravagant manner.
The studio TOUTED its latest picture as
“the greatest story ever told.”
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ANTONYMS
gainsay (GANE-say). To deny, dispute,
or contradict.
Michael has made no attempt to
GAINSAY the persistent rumors that his
family’s fortune rests solely on insider
trading.
recant (rih-KANT). To withdraw or disavow formally.
“I cannot and will not RECANT anything,
for to go against conscience is neither
right nor safe.”—Martin Luther, the
father of Protestantism
54. Defense
(dee-FENSE), noun
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Protection from harm or danger; guarding
from attack; support against a foe.
NOUNS
aegis (EE-jis). The protection, support,
and help rendered by a guardian, supporter, backer, or mentor.
Jill thinks she’s above reproach because
she’s under the AEGIS of that marketing
vice president with a penchant for
younger women.
bastion (BASS-chuhn). An institution,
individual, or something else protecting or
preserving a particular way of life, society,
set of beliefs, or moral code.
Cliff graduated from Yale, a BASTION of
respectability and privilege.
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bulwark (BULL-werk). A defensive, protective barrier, wall, or force.
“Since he aims at great souls, he cannot
miss. But if someone should slander me in
this way, no one would believe him. For
envy goes against the powerful. Yet slight
men, apart from the great, are but a
weak BULWARK.”—Sophocles, Greek
tragedian
cannonade (kan-uh-NAYD). A continuous, relentless bombardment or effort.
A CANNONADE of questioning greeted
Eva’s statement that she was quitting the
club’s tennis team.
muniment (MYOO-nuh-munt). A means
of defense; in law, a document, such as a
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title or deed, used to defend or maintain
rights or privileges.
Sam was prepared to support his claims
to ownership and brought all the necessary MUNIMENTS to the hearing.
paladin (PAL-uh-din). A knight or heroic
champion, a defender or advocate of a
noble cause; any of the twelve peers who
attended Charlemagne.
The fictional character of Superman represented society’s need for a PALADIN
during the 1950s.
palisade (pal-ih-SADE). A defensive barrier or fence comprising a row of tall
stakes driven into the ground; also, a line
of steep cliffs along a river.
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As we drove along the PALISADES of the
river gorge, my wife and I lamented that
we had forgotten to bring our camera.
VERBS
adduce (uh-DUCE). To cite as an
example or justification; to bring
something forward for consideration.
I would ADDUCE the following reasons
in support of rewriting the club charter.
forfend (for-FEND). To protect, defend,
secure, etc.
After he bought a television with a fiftyfive-inch screen, Keith bought an alarm
system to FORFEND it.
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indemnify (in-DEM-nih-fy). To protect
from or provide compensation for damages; to shield against the loss, destruction, or damage of something.
This policy INDEMNIFIES my house
against fire, flood, and burglary.
vindicate (VIN-dih-kayt). To prove an
opinion correct or an action justified; to
prove innocence; to defend one’s rights; to
avenge.
We laughed at Paulette’s predictions
about the imminent fall fashions, but,
once the couture was unveiled, Paulette
was VINDICATED.
335/1316
ANTONYMS
untenable (uhn-TEN-uh-bull). Not possible to defend, as an argument or
position.
“Are the legitimate compensation and
honors that should come as the result of
ability and merit to be denied on the
UNTENABLE ground of sex aristocracy?”—Bertha Honore Potter Palmer,
American socialite
55. Defiant
(dih-FYE-unht), adjective
Characterized by defiance; resistant or
challenging; rebellious
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ADJECTIVES
contumacious (kon-teh-MAY-shuss).
Obstinately resisting authority; disobedient; insubordinate.
The CONTUMACIOUS defendant eventually had to be gagged.
obstreperous (ob-STREP-er-us).
Uncontrollably aggressive; defiant,
boisterous.
Before announcing the plan for massive
layoffs to his workers, the boss hired an
extra security force to prevent certain
OBSTREPEROUS persons from inciting a
riot.
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recalcitrant (rih-KAL-sih-trunt).
Unwilling to cooperate voluntarily; resisting control or authority; hesitant to step
forward and do what one is asked or told
to do.
On the witness stand, the mobster was
RECALCITRANT and uncommunicative.
renitent (REN-eh-tent). Steadfastly resisting pressure, constraint, or compulsion.
Dorothy’s RENITENT efforts proved
superior to her mother’s attempts to
modify her behavior.
subversive (sub-VER-sihv). Describes an
act performed to challenge or overthrow
the authority of those in power.
“If sex and creativity are often seen by
dictators as SUBVERSIVE activities, it’s
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because they lead to the knowledge that
you own your own body.”—Erica Jong,
American author and teacher
NOUNS
dissentient (dih-SEN-shunt). A person
who dissents, especially in opposition to
the majority opinion.
The group of close-knit political activists,
for all their discussion of free thought,
could never tolerate a true
DISSENTIENT.
recusancy (REK-yuh-zun-see). The
refusal to recognize or obey established
authority.
At one time, an individual’s religious
RECUSANCY could result in punishment.
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promotes discontent or rebellion against
authority.
of golf with him.
VERBS
beard (BEERD). To defy boldly; oppose.
To ensure the measure would pass, supporters needed to be ready to BEARD the
opposition.
contravene (kawn-truh-VEEN). To go
against or deny; to oppose something by
action or argument.
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The orders I left were to be
CONTRAVENED by no one but the
colonel.
When Carlotta REMONSTRATED our
snubbing of Julia, we simply began to
snub Carlotta as well.
restive (RESS-tiv). Impatient and stubborn; contrary.
Audrey was RESTIVE about her upcoming vacation abroad and thus found it
difficult to concentrate on her
schoolwork.
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ANTONYMS
milquetoast (MILK-toast). An unassertive, timid, spineless person who is easily
intimidated.
Unless you just want to be a pencilpusher all your life, you’ve got to stop
being such a MILQUETOAST, Arthur!
verecund (VER-ih-kuhnd). Bashful;
modest.
Paul’s VERECUND manner makes it difficult to carry on a conversation with him.
56. Descant
(des-KANT), verb
To talk freely and without inhibition.
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ADJECTIVES
convivial (kuhn-VIV-ee-ull). Fond of
feasting, drinking, and companionship.
“One does not leave a CONVIVIAL party
before closing time.”—Winston Churchill,
British statesman and orator
discursive (dis-KER-siv). A manner or
style of lecturing in which the speaker
rambles among many topics.
Paul’s DISCURSIVE lectures on American
history jumped from century to century,
yet it all came together in an understandable and fresh fashion.
facile (FASS-ul). Accomplished easily and
with little effort.
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“The hunger for FACILE wisdom is the
root of all false philosophy.”—George
Santayana, author and philosopher
loquacious (loh-KWAY-shuss). Verbose;
chatty; given to talking nonstop.
Amy and Donna are both so
LOQUACIOUS, their average phone call
lasts ninety minutes.
mellifluous (meh-LIH-flu-us). Of music,
speech, or other sound that is sweet and
pleasant to listen to.
The MELLIFLUOUS tones of his voice
brought Martin many high-paying gigs
for voice-overs.
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verbose (ver-BOHSS). Describes a person or composition using more words
than are needed to get the point across.
Long-winded and VERBOSE, Mitch made
his team members groan whenever he
stood up to speak at a charity event.
NOUNS
badinage (bah-dih-NAHZH). Light,
good-natured, even playful banter.
author
diatribe (DYE-uh-tryb). A speech railing
against injustice; a vehement
denunciation.
345/1316
The editorial was a mean-spirited
DIATRIBE against school vouchers written to prevent children from other towns
from being sent by bus to Centerville
High School.
filibuster (FILL-ih-bus-ter). A prolonged
speech or other tactics to delay legislative
actions or other important decisions.
The room breathed a collective sigh when
the senator finally ended his eight-hour
FILIBUSTER.
garrulity (gah-ROO-lih-tee). The habit of
talking way too much.
“The interview is an intimate conversation between journalist and politician
wherein the journalist seeks to take
advantage of the GARRULITY of the
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politician and the politician of the credulity of the journalist”—Emory Klein,
American journalist
kaffeeklatsch (KAW-fee-klatch). An
informal social gathering, typically including coffee and gossip.
Jeanette is not welcome at our
KAFFEEKLATSCH because she refuses to
gossip about her social contacts.
VERBS
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confabulate (kuhn-FAB-yuh-layt). To
chat or converse informally.
Jarod proceeded to CONFABULATE
about the wines most recently added to
the family cellar.
natter (NATT-er). To talk ceaselessly;
babble.
The way Emily NATTERS endlessly about
her family’s new yacht is revolting to
those of us who have owned several
yachts over the years.
prattle (PRAT-l). To babble; to talk nonstop without regard as to whether what
you are saying makes sense or is of any
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PRATTLE and play to it.”—Ralph Waldo
Emerson, American poet, essayist, and
transcendentalist
ANTONYMS
farouche (fah-ROOSH). To become sullen, shy, or withdrawn in the presence of
company.
His FAROUCHE demeanor gave people
the impression that he didn’t like them,
when in fact he was merely an introvert.
words.
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uncommunicative; a person of few words.
Swiss painter
57. Desire
(dih-ZYR), verb
To want or crave.
ADJECTIVES
esurient (ih-SOOR-ee-uhnt). Hungry;
greedy; voracious.
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Because he was raised by wolves, Jack
often displayed ESURIENT habits.
orectic (aw-REK-tik). Characterized by
appetite or desire.
Unfortunately, Michael was obsessed
with ORECTIC thoughts about girls to the
exclusion of any interest in schoolwork.
wistful (WIHST-full). Yearning, pensive;
having an unfulfilled desire.
“I never saw a man who looked / With
such a WISTFUL eye / Upon that little
tent of blue / Which prisoners call the
sky.”—Oscar Wilde, Irish playwright and
poet
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NOUNS
ardor (AR-der). Emotional warmth; passion; eagerness; intense devotion.
The author’s ARDOR for the environment
is obvious in all of his writings.
aspiration (ass-puh-RAY-shun). Goal;
desire; something one wishes to achieve.
Marco, whose ASPIRATION was to be a
concert violinist, practiced his instrument
at least eight hours a day.
desideratum (deh-sih-deh-RAY-tum).
Something that one covets or desires.
Ever since she was an adolescent, Evangeline’s DESIDERATUM has been a first
edition of Virginia Woolf’s first novel, The
Voyage Out.
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ebullition (ebb-uh-LISH-un). A sudden
outpouring of strong emotion; passion.
The concert closed with an inspired
EBULLITION from the entire orchestra.
yen (YEN). A strong desire or urge.
“Perhaps one subtext of the health care
debate is a YEN to be treated like a whole
person, not just an eye, an ear, a nose or
a throat.”—Anna Quindlen, American
author and opinion columnist
VERBS
covet (KUHV-it). To strongly desire; to
desire something that another person has.
As a young boy, I was taught not to
COVET my neighbor’s tricycle.
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ANTONYMS
animosity (an-ih-MOSS-ih-tee). Strong
dislike for; open and active hostility
toward.
“Life appears to me too short to be spent
nursing ANIMOSITY, or registering
wrongs.”—Charlotte Brontë, English
novelist
spurn (SPURN). To reject with scorn;
disdain.
“If the riches of the Indies, or the crowns
of all the kingdoms of Europe, were laid
at my feet in exchange for my love of
reading, I would SPURN them
all.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson, American
poet
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58. Determined
(dih-TUR-minnd), adjective
Having one’s mind made up; settled;
decided; resolved.
ADJECTIVES
indefatigable (in-deh-FAT-uh-guhbull). Capable of continuing along one’s
current course of action without wavering,
tiring, or faltering.
“We are truly INDEFATIGABLE in
providing for the needs of the body, but
we starve the soul.”—Ellen Wood, British
playwright
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indomitable (in-DOM-ih-tuh-bull). Not
easily discouraged or subdued; unyielding; unconquerable.
When it came to a cause she believed in,
Paula’s INDOMITABLE spirit was not to
be denied.
intractable (in-TRAK-tuh-bull). Difficult
to control or manage; stubborn.
“It is precisely here, where the writer
fights with the raw, the INTRACTABLE,
that poetry is born.”—Doris Lessing, British author
intransigent (in-TRAN-zih-jent). Stubborn; refusing to consider opinions other
than one’s own.
“Lamont stared for a moment in frustration but Burt’s expression was a clearly
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INTRANSIGENT one now.”—Isaac
Asimov, Russian-born American author
and biochemist
obdurate (OB-doo-rit). Stubborn and
unyielding; hardhearted; unsympathetic.
“The fates are not quite OBDURATE; /
They have a grim, sardonic way / Of
granting them who supplicate / The thing
they wanted yesterday.”—Roselle Mercier
Montgomery, American poet
obstinate (OB-stih-nit). Inflexible in
one’s opinions and attitudes; refusing to
change or accede to the wishes of others.
“The male sex still constitutes in many
ways the most OBSTINATE vested
interest one can find.”—Francis Pakenham, British social reformer
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pertinacious (per-tih-NAY-shuss). Persistent or obstinate to the point of
annoyance.
The car salesman’s PERTINACIOUS patter caused me to leave the lot
immediately.
resolute (REZ-uh-loot). Unyielding in
determination; firm of purpose.
We remain RESOLUTE on the question of
the hostages: they must be released
without precondition.
sedulous (SEJ-yuh-luss). Done or crafted with perseverance, diligence, and care.
The teen’s SEDULOUS labors at the
desert site were rewarded by the discovery of triceratops bones in the third week
of the dig.
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staunch (STONCH). Firm in resolution
or belief; fixed.
Mr. West, a STAUNCH conservative,
believed that government waste was the
main problem requiring attention in
Washington.
tenacious (tuh-NAY-shuss). Persistent,
stubborn, obstinate.
“Women are TENACIOUS, and all of
them should be TENACIOUS of respect;
without esteem they cannot exist; esteem
is the first demand that they make of
love.”—Honoré de Balzac, French novelist
and playwright
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VERBS
indurate (IN-duh-rayt). To become hard;
harden; stubborn.
His friends were concerned that Paul’s
rejection by his latest girlfriend would
INDURATE him to future relationships.
ANTONYMS
falter (FAWL-ter). To act hesitantly;
show uncertainty; waver.
“We shall neither fail nor FALTER; we
shall not weaken or tire. . . . Give us the
tools and we will finish the job.”—Winston Churchill, British statesman and
orator
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vacillate (VASS-uh-layt). To waver; show
indecision; be irresolute.
“It seems to me that the problem with
diaries, and the reason that most of them
are so boring, is that every day we
VACILLATE between examining our
hangnails and speculating on cosmic
order.”—Ann Beattie, American novelist
59. Didactic
(dy-DAK-tik), adjective
Designed, made, or tailored for purposes
of education, self-improvement, or ethical
betterment.
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ADJECTIVES
erudite (AIR-yoo-dyte). Sophisticated;
well educated; deeply learned; knowledgeable; scholarly.
Beneath his ERUDITE image, Dr. John
Brinkley was a money-grubbing con
man.
hypercritical (hy-per-KRIT-ih-kuhl).
Excessively or meticulously critical.
“Good writers have two things in common: they would rather be understood
than admired, and they do not write for
hairsplitting and HYPERCRITICAL readers.”—Friedrich Nietzche, German
philosopher
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meticulous (meh-TIK-yuh-luss).
Extremely precise; fussy.
The overly METICULOUS maître d’ made
us self-conscious and detracted from our
enjoyment of the meal.
niggling (NIG-ling). Demanding a great
deal of care, attention, or time; or, trifling
and insignificant.
People just don’t understand how difficult
it is for us to attend to all the NIGGLING
needs of our servants.
NOUNS
autodidact (aw-toe-DY-dakt). A selfeducated person.
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In the twentieth century, the library was
the university of the AUTODIDACT; in
the twenty-first century, it is the Internet.
lyceum (LIE-see-um). A school or other
place of learning.
“[Television] should be our LYCEUM, our
Chautauqua, our Minsky’s, and our Camelot.”—E.B. White, American author
pedagogue (PED-ah-gog). A strict,
humorless, no-nonsense teacher.
“The negative cautions of science are
never popular. If the experimentalist
would not commit himself, the social
philosopher, the preacher, and the
PEDAGOGUE tried the harder to give a
short-cut answer.”—Margaret Mead,
American cultural anthropologist
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VERBS
elucubrate (ih-LOO-kyoo-brayt). To
produce a written work through lengthy,
intensive effort.
Thanks to a few hundred bucks passed
along to a classmate, Miles did not have
to ELUCUBRATE his term paper and
could, instead, attend parties with us.
quibble (KWIB-ul). To argue over a
minor matter; to voice a niggling
objection.
If you are not 100 percent satisfied, your
money will promptly be refunded without
question or QUIBBLE.
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ANTONYMS
dilettante (DILL-ih-tont). A person who
studies a subject in a casual fashion,
learning the topic for the fun of it rather
than to apply it to solve real problems.
Joseph Priestly could be considered a
DILETTANTE, and yet his work led to the
discovery of oxygen.
vacuous (VAK-yoo-uss). Devoid of emotion, intelligence, or any normal human
thought processes; stupid; moronic.
The VACUOUS stare from her two eyes,
looking like raisins pushed into a lump of
dough, made him shiver with loathing
and contempt.
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60. Difficult
(DIF-ih-kult), adjective
Not easy to do, make, or understand;
requiring significant labor, skill, or knowledge to be performed successfully.
ADJECTIVES
abstruse (ab-STROOS). Arcane, complex, difficult to understand and learn.
Bob began to wish there was, in fact, a
Santa Claus because he found the “simple
instructions” to his son’s bicycle far too
ABSTRUSE.
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anfractuous (an-FRACK-chuh-wuss).
Full of windings and intricacies, like a
good mystery novel.
The novel’s ANFRACTUOUS plot worked
on paper, but it became stupefyingly confusing—actually, just plain stupid—onscreen.
arduous (AR-joo-us). Requiring exceptional effort or care; mentally or physically
challenging; laborious.
Stacy has been preparing all week for the
ARDUOUS marathon competition.
byzantine (BIZ-un-teen). Convoluted;
overly complicated; difficult to figure out
because of its complexity.
We found it impossible to follow the
BYZANTINE plot of how Eileen made
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Mariah a laughingstock by replacing her
Prada shoes with nearly identical
knockoffs.
circuitous (sir-KYOO-uh-tuss).
Extremely twisty and winding; indirect.
Blanche called it a shortcut, but her
CIRCUITOUS route caused us to arrive
very late to the party.
herculean (her-kyuh-LEE-uhn). Of
extraordinary power or difficulty. Often
capitalized because the word alludes to
Hercules.
“We found it a HERCULEAN effort not to
chortle at the outlandish clothing of the
nouveau riche attendees of our party,”
said Lillian.
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impalpable (im-PAL-puh-bull). Difficult
to understand; intangible.
“The soul is so IMPALPABLE, so often
useless, and sometimes such a nuisance,
that I felt no more emotion on losing it
than if, on a stroll, I had mislaid my visiting card.”—Charles Baudelaire, French
poet, critic, and translator
insuperable (in-SOO-per-uh-bull).
Impossible to overcome or surmount.
“Conceit is an INSUPERABLE obstacle to
all progress.”—Ellen Terry, British
actress
onerous (OH-nerr-us). Difficult; imposing heavy responsibility.
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Caring for his son’s large aquarium
quickly went from an interesting hobby
to an ONEROUS burden.
NOUNS
asperity (ah-SPAIR-ih-tee). Roughness;
harshness.
Sorry, I can’t handle the ASPERITY of his
politics. Could we skip the speech?
conundrum (kuh-NUN-drum). A difficult problem or situation that is not easily
resolved.
Choosing whether to attend MIT, Yale, or
Harvard was quite a CONUNDRUM:
MIT had the courses he wanted, but Harvard and Yale offered him full sports
scholarships.
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labyrinth (LAB-uh-rinth). A mazelike
series of connected tunnels and passages.
He ran, terrified, as the Minotaur chased
him through the LABYRINTH.
morass (muh-RASS). A confusing or
troublesome situation from which it is difficult to disentangle oneself.
“One idea is enough to organize a life and
project it / Into unusual but viable forms,
but many ideas merely / Lead one thither
into a MORASS of their own good intentions.”—John Ashbery, American poet
nodus (NOH-dus). A difficult point; a
knotty situation.
Jason reached a NODUS in his relationship with Gail and was determined to
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find a solution while there was still a
chance.
straits (STRAYTS). A position of difficulty and challenge.
After a series of bad investments, I found
myself in dire financial STRAITS.
ANTONYMS
elementary (el-uh-MEN-tuh-ree). Of
first principles; of the rudiments or fundamentals of something; introductory;
simple.
“By respect for life we become religious in
a way that is ELEMENTARY, profound,
and alive.”—Albert Schweitzer, German
missionary and theologian
373/1316
facile (FASS-ul). Accomplished easily and
with little effort.
“Sometimes there is a greater lack of
communication in FACILE talking than
in silence.”—Faith Baldwin, American
author
61. Dirty
(DUR-tee), adjective
Unclean; soiled with dirt; foul; vile; mean.
ADJECTIVES
bedraggled (bee-DRAG-uld). Harried or
in a condition of disarray; unkempt; dirty
and limp.
374/1316
A group of BEDRAGGLED orphans stood
outside begging by the flickering gaslight.
sordid (SOR-did). Characterized by
grossness or baseness; vile; wretched;
squalid.
The movie opened with a scene showing
the hero boldly walking into a SORDID
tenement house to find the villain.
NOUNS
squalor (SKWALL-ur). The state or quality of being filthy.
My mother knew full well that my roommates were not the tidiest men in the
world, but she still seemed shocked when
confronted with the unrepentant
SQUALOR of our apartment.
375/1316
VERBS
contaminate (kuhn-TAM-uh-nayt). To
make unclean, impure, or corrupt by contact; to make unusable or harmful by
adding impure materials.
If the reactor is breached, the cooling
water will CONTAMINATE the bay and
render its marine life radioactive.
defile (dih-FYL). To pollute; to corrupt or
make unclean.
The river that only a few years ago ran
clean and clear is now DEFILED with a
witches’ brew of chemicals, thanks to the
new tanning plant.
sully (SUL-ee). To besmear or make foul;
to cast aspersions.
376/1316
I will not allow you to SULLY the good
name of my family with such baseless
accusations.
taint (TAYNT). To make morally corrupt;
to infect, contaminate, or spoil; to affect
with something harmful or unpleasant.
The senator’s actions, no matter how
noble in intent, are forever TAINTED by
his previous transgressions.
ANTONYMS
hygienic (hy-jee-EN-ik). Promoting
health; healthful; sanitary.
Aunt Charlotte’s HYGIENIC practices
made it quite safe to eat off her floors.
377/1316
immaculate (ih-MAK-yuh-lit). Perfectly
clean; without a spot or stain; unsoiled.
“His words are bonds, his oaths are
oracles; his love sincere, his thoughts
IMMACULATE; his tears pure messengers sent from his heart; his heart as far
from fraud, as heaven from earth.”—William Shakespeare, English dramatist
62. Disagree
(dis-uh-GREE), verb
To differ; dissent; to quarrel about or disapprove of something.
378/1316
ADJECTIVES
bilious (BILL-yuss). Having a nasty temperament or disagreeable disposition; to
be “full of bile” and hatred.
The polo team’s BILIOUS captain made
his team miserable as he proceeded to criticize their every move.
discordant (dis-KOR-dunt). Conflicting;
lacking in harmony.
I find that composer’s DISCORDANT
style difficult to listen to.
dyslogistic (diss-luh-JISS-tik). Showing
disapproval or censure.
379/1316
We gave Elizabeth DYSLOGISTIC glances
when she told us she had decided to stop
shopping at Cartier.
NOUNS
“It was his idea of grand APOSTASY to
drive to the reform synagogue on the
high holidays and park his pink-eye nag
among the luxurious, whirl-wired touring cars of the rich.”—Saul Bellow, American author
dissidence (DISS-uh-dehnts). Strong
disagreement, especially with a
government.
380/1316
The newly formed government decided to
crack down on DISSIDENCE by jailing
anyone who disagreed with governmental policies.
VERBS
demur (di-MURR). To make an objection
on the grounds of scruples.
“Assent, and you are sane; /
DEMUR,—you’re straightway dangerous, / And handled with a chain.”—Emily
Dickinson, American poet
deprecate (DEP-rih-kayt). To express
381/1316
gainsay (GANE-say). To deny, dispute,
or contradict.
Michael has made no attempt to
GAINSAY the persistent rumors that his
family’s fortune rests solely on insider
trading.
harangue (huh-RANG). Verbally accost;
yell at; berate.
“But on that hot July day she
breaks—HARANGUING strangers in the
street.”—Oliver Sacks, British neurologist
inveigh (in-VAY). To protest or complain
strongly.
382/1316
The crowd INVEIGHED against the governor’s decision to commute Davidson’s
sentence.
negate (nih-GAYT). To cause to be ineffectual; to deny; to reverse.
I imagine that double hot fudge sundae I
ate completely NEGATED the effects of
my morning exercises.
ANTONYMS
amenable (ah-MEE-nuh-bull). Readily
agreeable to the wishes and desires of
others.
Mark considers himself AMENABLE, but
the rest of us just think he’s a pushover.
383/1316
common strangers.
63. Dishonest
(dis-AWN-ist), adjective
Not honest; the tendency to lie, cheat, or
steal; untrustworthy; fraudulent.
ADJECTIVES
collusive (kuh-LOO-siv). Involving or
characterized by collusion; conspiring for
fraudulent purposes.
384/1316
The brothers’ COLLUSIVE tendencies
were well known to high school
administrators.
disingenuous (diss-in-JEN-yoo-uss).
Not inclined toward open dealing; less
than truthful; other than appearances
would suggest; insincere.
The mayor’s carefully worded denials
never explicitly touched on her involvement in her campaign’s alleged effort to
buy votes, leading many to conclude that
she was being DISINGENUOUS.
duplicitous (doo-PLIS-ih-tus). Characterized by hypocritical deception or
cunning; double-dealing; intentionally
deceptive.
385/1316
His DUPLICITOUS acts were second
nature to Jim after years of living on the
mean streets of Newark.
knavish (NAYV-ish). Untrustworthy, dishonest, and mischievous.
Despite, or perhaps because of, his
KNAVISH behavior, Jonathan is always
a success at our society balls.
smarmy (SMAR-mee). Insincerely
earnest.
In between syrupy love songs, the
SMARMY lounge singer repeatedly
assured the crowd they were by far the
best audience he’d ever performed for.
386/1316
unconscionable (un-KON-shu-nuhbull). Lacking in principles or conscience;
beyond any reasonable boundary.
Your decision to destroy those letters
without attempting to get permission
from the poet’s widow was
UNCONSCIONABLE.
NOUNS
covin (KUV-in). In law, a conspiracy of
two or more people to defraud or swindle
others.
After the coven members were found
guilty, their COVIN made newspaper
headline fodder for days.
387/1316
grifter (GRIFF-ter). A person who
engages in unseemly activities; a swindler,
a dishonest gambler, etc.
The small-town bar was filled with reprobates, toothless legions, and
GRIFTERS. I felt right at home.
pettifoggery (PET-ee-fog-er-ee). Petty
dishonesty or trickery.
“Let’s put all this PETTIFOGGERY behind
us,” said Mr. Powers, “and start dealing
with each other in a more straightforward manner.”
rogue (rohg). A scoundrel; a dishonest
person; a person known to have low morals and habits.
388/1316
Everyone in Savannah knew that Rhett
was a ROGUE, but somehow he managed
to use that fact to his advantage.
VERBS
bilk (bilk). To swindle or cheat.
The accountant, investigators learned,
had been BILKING the company of
nearly a quarter of a million dollars a
year.
filch (FILCH). To steal, especially to steal
petty amounts or inexpensive goods.
Brian is proud of how many motel towels
he’s FILCHED over the years.
389/1316
mulct (MUHLKT). To get something
from someone else by fraud or extortion;
swindle.
The con man MULCTED ten bucks from
the unsuspecting couple.
perjure (PUR-jer). To lie or give false
and misleading testimony; to commit the
crime of testifying to something one
knows is untrue.
Although Mr. Frattori was not convicted
on the main charges he faced, he may
serve time in prison for having
PERJURED himself during the trial.
purloin (PUR-loyn). To steal or to take
by dishonest means.
390/1316
Bobby PURLOINED almost all the contents of his dad’s change jar before being
discovered.
ANTONYMS
conscionable (KON-shuh-nuh-bull).
That which agrees with one’s ideas of right
and wrong; just.
Arthur and Carolyn considered their
relationship with friends and neighbors
and tried to treat everyone as
CONSCIONABLE people would.
reputable (REP-yuh-tuh-bull). Respectable; honorable.
When a natural disaster occurs, one
unfortunate result is the appearance of
391/1316
charitable organizations that are not
completely REPUTABLE.
64. Dull
(DUHL), adjective
Lacking sensitivity or spirit; causing boredom; tedious.
ADJECTIVES
aseptic (uh-SEP-tik). Lacking emotion or
vibrancy.
Jordan’s ASEPTIC performance at the job
interview is probably the reason he didn’t
get the job, despite his qualifications.
392/1316
banal (buh-NAL). Trite; lacking
originality.
Aaron always dismissed the insights of
the other philosophers as BANAL, but I
for one never heard him utter a single
profound idea.
bourgeois (boor-ZHWA). Characteristic
of the middle class; having material concerns, an interest in respectability, and a
tendency toward mediocrity.
Dave is so BOURGEOIS he goes to a
liquor store across town so his neighbors
won’t know he drinks.
bromidic (bro-MIHD-ik). Trite and
commonplace.
393/1316
The marketing executive groaned as one
BROMIDIC ad campaign after another
crossed her desk.
insipid (in-SIP-id). Lacking in vigor;
unexciting.
In Frank’s opinion, the novel’s plot was
INSIPID and left much to be desired.
jaded (JAY-did). Worn out; dulled or
satiated due to overindulgence.
Her parents thought that providing
Tracy with everything her heart desired
as a child would make her a happy person, but she grew up to be a JADED and
selfish woman.
lackluster (LACK-lus-ter). Flat; not
shiny or brilliant.
394/1316
Wanda’s LACKLUSTER performance as
Hedda Gabler led one critic to remark
that she probably had a long career
ahead of her in the theater—as a stage
weight.
mundane (mun-DAYN). Ordinary, practical, or everyday.
Everett’s concerns were MUNDANE
enough: keep a roof over his head, track
down the occasional meal.
pedestrian (puh-DESS-tree-uhn). Lacking in originality or vitality.
If you really want to advance in this company, you’re going to have to come up
with something better than the
PEDESTRIAN ideas we’ve already tried
and rejected.
395/1316
trite (TRYT). Lacking in effectiveness or
freshness due to continual use and excessive repetition; hackneyed; stale.
“The TRITE subjects of human efforts,
possessions, outward success, luxury
have always seemed to me contemptible.”—Albert Einstein
vapid (VAP-id). Void of intellectual curiosity or intelligence; lacking spirit and
enthusiasm; routine, unchallenging.
What irked him most about his sister-inlaw was her VAPID stares in response to
simple questions, conversation, and jokes.
NOUNS
pabulum (PAB-yuh-lum). Writing or
speech that is simplistic, insipid, or bland.
396/1316
Christie could be counted on to deliver the
sort of PABULUM that would distract the
media from the real and sordid activities
of the actor.
ANTONYMS
exuberant (ig-ZOO-ber-uhnt). Overflowing with spirit; uninhibitedly enthusiastic;
abounding in vitality.
“Nothing ever succeeds which
EXUBERANT spirits have not helped to
produce.”—Friedrich Nietzsche, German
philosopher
provocative (pruh-VAWK-uh-tiv). Tending to provoke; inciting; stimulating.
397/1316
Andrew’s visits to the art museum filled
him with PROVOCATIVE images and
gave him new energy.
E
65. Eat
(EET), verb
To consume for nourishment; take in
food.
ADJECTIVES
bibulous (BIB-yuh-luss). Related to
drinking or to drunkenness; fond of alcoholic beverages.
You may think you’re “fine,” but your
BIBULOUS activities will put you in the
poorhouse or in jail one of these days!
399/1316
crapulous (KRAP-yuh-luss). Pertaining
to eating and drinking too much, or the
consequences of eating and drinking too
much.
Jim spent the day after the party in a
CRAPULOUS state.
dipsomaniacal (dip-suh-muh-NIE-ihkul). Having an uncontrolled craving for
alcohol.
The private detective summed up his
latest client, a booze-loving gold digger,
as the “DIPSOMANIACAL dame.”
gustatory (GUSS-tuh-tore-ee). Of the
sense of taste.
“Food has it over sex for variety. Hedonistically, GUSTATORY possibilities are
much broader than copulatory
400/1316
ones.”—Joseph Epstein, American author
and critic
herbivorous (hur-BIV-er-us). Eating
plants rather than meat.
The HERBIVOROUS animals are not considered predators unless plants can be
thought of as prey.
macrobiotic (mack-row-by-OT-ik). Of a
diet rich in whole grains and beans, which
some believe lengthens one’s lifespan.
After she had a few health scares, Jean
turned to a MACROBIOTIC diet.
omnivorous (om-NIV-er-uss). Accustomed to eating both animal and vegetable
food items.
401/1316
The Cantonese, I am told, are
OMNIVOROUS, and it is said that the
traveler is best advised not to inquire too
closely into exactly what he is eating.
omophagous (oh-MOH-fuh-guss). Eating raw food, especially raw meat.
Peggy considered becoming
OMOPHAGOUS, but was concerned
about her ability to digest raw food.
seminivorous (sem-uh-NIV-er-us). Eating seeds.
Now that Diane has adopted
SEMINIVOROUS habits, we often see her
hovering near bird feeders.
voracious (vuh-RAY-shuss). Possessing
a huge and insatiable appetite, whether
402/1316
for food, knowledge, amusement, or
something else.
Her son always had a VORACIOUS
desire for knowledge. He read anything
he could get his hands on and was always
willing to experience something new.
NOUNS
polydipsia (pol-ee-DIP-see-uh). An
abnormal or excessive thirst.
The bartender, clearly uninterested in
Ralph’s claim to suffer from
POLYDIPSIA, told him flatly that he’d
had enough.
polyphagia (pol-ee-FAY-jee-uh). An
excessive desire to eat.
403/1316
Ray’s POLYPHAGIA was successfully
diverted into an excessive desire to talk.
refection (ri-FEK-shun). Food and
drink; nourishment; refreshment.
As I recall, REFECTIONS were not the
high point of my college experience.
repast (ri-PAST). Food provided or consumed for a meal.
Obviously a frustrated comedian, Jack
entitled his most recent painting The Last
REPAST.
vegan (VEE-guhn). A person who eats
only vegetables, fruits, and grains and no
animal products whatsoever.
404/1316
A VEGAN since college, Wanda had a
hard time finding restaurants that
offered entrees she could eat.
viand (VY-und). An article of food.
Chef Jacques thought that any VIAND,
whether prime rib or meatloaf, should be
served to the customer in a visually
appealing way.
VERBS
gormandize (GORE-mun-dyz). To eat
like a glutton, as if one were starving.
We find GORMANDIZING on even the
finest French cuisine to be quite tasteless
and, therefore, to be avoided.
405/1316
imbibe (im-BYB). To drink, especially
alcoholic beverages.
Donald once had a drinking problem, but
now he no longer IMBIBES.
masticate (MASS-tih-kayt). To chew,
especially to chew thoroughly.
The best way to appreciate the gustatory
arts is to MASTICATE your personal
chef’s creations at as relaxed a pace as
possible.
quaff (KWOFF). To drink with gusto and
in large volume.
“We QUAFF the cup of life with eager
haste without draining it, instead of
which it only overflows the brim.”—William Hazlitt, English literary critic and
philosopher
406/1316
raven (RAV-un). To eat or feed greedily
or voraciously.
To watch Harold RAVEN his meals is to
observe the most primitive of human
instincts.
ANTONYMS
emaciated (ih-MAY-see-a-tihd). Abnormally lean; wasted away as from
starvation.
Janet had lost the will to live and the
desire to eat, becoming more
EMACIATED with each passing week.
malnourished (mal-NUR-isht). Poorly
nourished; badly fed; suffering from
malnutrition.
407/1316
Experts in the field believe that we
already have the means to help all the
MALNOURISHED of the world.
See also: Foods
66. Élan
(a-LON), noun
Enthusiasm, energy, flair, zest.
ADJECTIVES
about something.
408/1316
Marcus.
effulgent (ih-FULL-jent). Shining
brightly; glowing; radiant.
The lightning storm made the evening
sky positively EFFULGENT.
409/1316
jocund (JOE-kund). Having a lust for
life; possessing a positive attitude and
desire to enjoy life to the fullest.
Ron’s JOCUND façade shattered when he
found himself the victim of identity theft.
NOUNS
alacrity (uh-LAK-rih-tee). Cheerful
cooperation rendered with enthusiasm,
promptness, and politeness.
The ALACRITY with which Steve responded to Helen’s invitation is nothing short
of astonishing.
410/1316
fillip (FILL-uhp). Something that revives
or arouses excitement.
“Faithful horoscope-watching, practiced
daily, provides just the sort of small, but
warm and infinitely reassuring FILLIP
that gets matters off to a spirited
start.”—Shana Alexander, American
author
zeal (ZEEL). Great enthusiasm and
energy for a cause or activity.
“The living, vital truth of social and
economic well-being will become a reality
only through the ZEAL, courage, the noncompromising determination of intelligent minorities, and not through the
mass.”—Emma Goldman, Bolshevik
anarchist
411/1316
zest (ZEHST). Extreme enjoyment; a lust
for life.
“Such epithets, like pepper, / Give ZEST
to what you write; / And, if you strew
them sparely, / They whet the appetite: /
But if you lay them on too thick, / You
spoil the matter quite!”—Lewis Carroll,
English author and logician
ANTONYMS
enervate (EN-er-vayt). To rob a person,
organization, place, or thing of its energy,
strength, and vitality.
Greenhouse gases ENERVATE the protective ozone layer surrounding the
Earth.
412/1316
lassitude (LASS-ih-tood). Having little
energy or motivation; weariness.
“We know what boredom is: it is a dull /
Impatience or a fierce velleity, / A
champing wish, stalled by our
LASSITUDE, / To make or do.”—Richard
Wilbur, American poet
logy (LOW-gee). Characterized by lethargy and sluggishness.
“To be scared is such a release from all
the LOGY weight of procrastination, of
dallying and pokiness! You burn into
work. It is as though gravity were
removed and you walked lightly to the
moon like an angel.”—Brenda Ueland,
American author
413/1316
pallid (PAL-id). Having a wan, sickly,
washed-out appearance indicating illness
or weakness, or lack of energy, strength,
and vitality.
Many of us maintain a PALLID pallor
because we want to make it clear that we
do not need to go outdoors unless we so
choose.
tepid (TEHP-id). Characterized by a lack
of enthusiasm.
We greeted the new opera, with its
mawkish plot and poor acting, with
TEPID applause.
67. Eliminate
(uh-LIM-uh-nayt), verb
414/1316
To take out; remove; get rid of; to remove
from consideration; reject; eradicate.
NOUNS
catharsis (kuh-THAR-siss). The purging
of the senses through tragic drama or
through music; or, in general, a discharge
of negative emotions.
After losing matches at the club’s courts,
Celeste finds that Puccini’s Madama Butterfly always leads to CATHARSIS.
VERBS
depose (dih-POZE). To oust or remove
from office or a position of power and
authority.
415/1316
After the dictator was DEPOSED, the
country set about healing the wounds of a
long civil war.
deracinate (dee-RASS-ih-nayt). To
uproot or to remove by force.
The hurricane DERACINATED populations all over the island.
efface (ih-FAYSS). To erase, obliterate,
make inconspicuous.
“It is also true that one can write nothing
readable unless one constantly struggles
to EFFACE one’s own personality. Good
prose is like a windowpane.”—George
Orwell, British author
estrange (ih-STRANJ). To alienate or
remove from a position or relationship.
416/1316
Michelle’s refusal to give up her selfdestructive habits ESTRANGED her
brother.
eviscerate (ee-VISS-uh-rayt). To disembowel; to remove essential components.
Having EVISCERATED the novel’s key
chapter, the censor was content to let the
earlier exposition stand.
excise (EK-syz). To cut a passage from a
text or, in general, to cut something out or
off.
I went to the dermatologist and had that
mole EXCISED.
expunge (eks-PUHNJ). To rid oneself of
an annoyance; to cast out; to get rid of; to
forcibly eject.
417/1316
“There is no man, however wise, who has
not at some period of his youth said
things, or lived in a way the consciousness of which is so unpleasant to him in
later life that he would gladly, if he could,
EXPUNGE it from his memory.”—Marcel
Proust, French novelist, essayist, and
critic
expurgate (EK-spur-gayt). To purge
sexually inappropriate, objectionable, or
otherwise undesirable material prior to
presentation.
For her parents’ benefit, Marina
EXPURGATED stories related to the
weekend she spent slumming in Greenwich Village.
418/1316
extirpate (EK-ster-payt). To do away
with; remove or destroy completely;
exterminate.
John hoped that his new insecticide
would successfully EXTIRPATE the ants
in his kitchen.
extricate (EK-strih-kayt). To remove
from an entanglement.
Having gotten us into an impossible
dilemma, Warren appeared to have no
idea how we should go about
EXTRICATING ourselves from it.
ostracize (OS-truh-syz). To exclude from
society, friendship, community, etc.
Once we learned that Sasha had been
planting stories about us in the society
419/1316
pages, we, of course, had to OSTRACIZE
her permanently from our group.
redact (ree-DAKT). To remove a comment, thought, or passage from a written
document before going public with it.
“You may want to REDACT your opinion
on your opponent’s health care policies,”
his campaign manager warned him.
rescind (ree-SIND). Take away, revoke,
cancel, withdraw, remove.
Richard RESCINDED his order for a
yacht, opting instead to purchase a
private aircraft.
winnow (WIN-oh). To analyze carefully
in order to separate valuable parts from
worthless parts.
420/1316
I WINNOWED through the stack of personal papers, looking for the ones I
needed to present to the IRS.
ANTONYMS
adjoin (uh-joyn). To be close to or in contact with; to attach or append.
The architect’s plans clearly show a number of secondary buildings ADJOINING
the main structure.
annex (uh-NEKS). To add on or attach,
as a smaller thing to a larger; to add; to
incorporate, as a country or territory.
“Every other sin hath some pleasure
ANNEXED to it, or will admit of an
excuse: envy alone wants both.”—Robert
Burton, English writer and clergyman
421/1316
68. Embarrassment
(em-BAYR-uhs-ment), noun
The state of being ill at ease and losing
composure; self-consciousness; confusion; disconcertment.
ADJECTIVES
invidious (in-VID-ee-us). Designed to
give offense or to create ill will.
“In the name of all lechers and boozers I
most solemnly protest against the
INVIDIOUS distinction made to our prejudice.”—Aldous Huxley, British author
and humanist
422/1316
NOUNS
effrontery (eh-FRON-ter-ee). Offensive
and aggressive behavior; audacity.
After doing a terrible job on the project,
he had the EFFRONTERY to ask me, “Can
I do extra credit?”
humiliation (hyoo-mill-ee-A-shun). The
state in which one’s pride or dignity is
reduced or feelings hurt.
When she was discovered with her arms
around Harry, Janet’s HUMILATION
was so profound that she could never
again look him in the eye.
ignominy (ig-NOM-uh-nee). Personal
shame and disgrace.
423/1316
After he accidentally burned down the
writer’s home, Wally’s IGNOMINY was
such that he was forced to move out of
town.
opprobrium (uh-PRO-bree-uhm). Disgrace incurred by outrageously shameful
conduct.
Natasha incurred OPPROBRIUM when,
in a fit of anger, she deliberately smashed
her Waterford crystal wine glass at the
Smythingtons’ annual Thanksgiving
gala.
VERBS
discomfit (diss-KUM-fit). To embarrass
someone to the point where they become
uncomfortable.
424/1316
Maggie’s public mispronunciation of the
organizer’s name at the charity benefit
DISCOMFITED her mother.
mortify (MOR-tuh-fy). To shame or
humiliate; to injure someone’s pride or
dignity.
Oscar had no shame, and when discovered in compromising situations that
would MORTIFY anyone else, he was
unrepentant.
ANTONYMS
amenity (uh-MEN-ih-tee). Any feature
that provides comfort or convenience; a
courteous act; civility.
Edith, unsure of herself and terribly shy,
was buoyed by her mentor’s AMENITY.
425/1316
reassure (ree-uh-SHOOR). To restore to
confidence.
“It is far better to grasp the Universe as it
really is than to persist in delusion,
however satisfying and reassuring.”—Carl Sagan, American astronomer
and writer
69. Empty
(EMP-tee), adjective
Containing or having nothing; vacant;
unoccupied.
426/1316
ADJECTIVES
arid (AIR-id). Unproductive due to lack
of rain; unfertile; barren; sterile.
The instructor’s presentation, rote and
ARID, put the entire class to sleep.
bereft (beh-REFT). Lacking a certain
characteristic, possession, or trait.
“A woman moved is like a fountain
troubled. / Muddy, ill-seeming, thick,
BEREFT of beauty, / And while it is so,
none so dry or thirsty / Will deign to sip
or touch one drop of it.”—William
Shakespeare
desolate (DESS-uh-let). Lacking signs of
life; barren; deserted.
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We drove over a hill and suddenly the
landscape was as DESOLATE as if we
had landed on the moon.
devoid (dih-VOYD). Lacking utterly;
without.
“No matter how skilled a surgeon you
become,” Dr. Smith told the intern, “you’ll
fail as a doctor if you continue to be
DEVOID of compassion and sympathy
for patients.”
vacuous (VAK-yoo-uss). Lacking content
or substance; empty.
Televised debates are so potentially dangerous that most candidates settle for
offering VACUOUS recitations of campaign speeches rather than saying
something new and unexpected.
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VERBS
deplete (dih-PLEET). To use up completely; to exhaust.
Once the coal deposits in the valley had
been DEPLETED, the town of Harlenville,
which had thrived for thirty years, virtually ceased to exist.
disembogue (dis-em-BOHG). To empty
by discharging; to pour forth.
Many streams DISEMBOGUE into and
create a large river that empties into the
ocean.
purge (purj). To free (someone or
something) of all that is perceived as bad;
to take steps to cleanse or purify.
429/1316
I tried to PURGE my system of the flu
virus by drinking endless glasses of fruit
juice, but I still ended up missing a week
of work.
ANTONYMS
permeated (PER-mee-ayt-ed). Diffused
through; saturated; pervaded.
As the concert started, a feeling of goodwill and brotherhood PERMEATED the
crowd.
turgescent (tur-JESS-ent). Becoming or
appearing swollen or distended.
The rains overnight were so intense that
by morning all the region’s rivers were
TURGESCENT with water.
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70. End
(END), verb
To conclude.
ADJECTIVES
climactic (kly-MAK-tik). Of or pertaining
to a climax; concerning the last point in a
series of events.
The CLIMACTIC moment of the play
comes when Hamlet finally kills Claudius.
defunct (dih-FUNKT). No longer existing
or functioning.
“Practical men, who believe themselves to
be quite exempt from any intellectual
431/1316
influence, are usually the slaves of some
DEFUNCT economist.”—John Maynard
Keynes, British economist
moribund (MOR-ih-bund). Lacking
vigor; soon to be dead or defunct.
Ever since its head chef left for the Food
Network, that gourmet restaurant has
become MORIBUND and is likely to close
soon.
NOUNS
cessation (sess-SAY-shun). The condition of drawing to a close; ceasing or
reaching a point of abatement.
Continued diplomatic effort may well
bring about a CESSATION of hostilities.
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coup de grace (koo-deh-GRAHS).
Deathblow; a decisive act or event that
brings a situation to a close; the finishing
blow.
The COUP DE GRACE came when Paul
threw his bowl of oatmeal at Mona’s feet,
leading her to reevaluate their
relationship.
dénouement (day-noo-MAH). The resolution of any complex series of events,
especially in a drama or novel.
I was disappointed with the play because
I felt its DENOUEMENT left too many
loose ends.
desuetude (DESS-wih-tood). Disuse;
discontinuance.
433/1316
Telephones plugged into walls are one of
many once-ubiquitous items that have
fallen into DESUETUDE.
dissolution (diss-so-LOO-shun). The
condition of dissolving into fragments or
parts; disintegration.
The union’s DISSOLUTION seemed
imminent, but a change of leadership
forestalled that crisis.
perdition (per-DISH-in). Complete and
irreversible loss; the condition of final
spiritual ruin.
Her mother’s confiscation of Laura’s
phone and iPod cast her into teenaged
PERDITION.
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quietus (kwy-EE-tuhs). Something that
ends or settles a situation.
“For who would bear the whips and
scorns of time, / Th’oppressor’s wrong,
the proud man’s contumely, / The pangs
of disprized love, the law’s delay, / The
insolence of office, and the spurns / That
patient merit of th’unworthy takes, /
When he himself might his QUIETUS
make / With a bare bodkin?”—William
Shakespeare
VERBS
abrogate (AB-ro-gayt). To nullify or cancel; to formally and unilaterally conclude
an agreement or deed.
435/1316
The United States ABROGATED the
treaty after evidence appeared suggesting that the other nations had failed to
honor the agreement.
consummate (KON-sum-mayt). To
complete or finalize; to bring to a point of
finality or a desired end.
The real estate agent CONSUMMATING
the deal realized a substantial
commission.
wane (WAYN). To gradually decrease; to
fade away; to become diminished.
Once she finally received the Cartier
watch from her father, Karen’s interest in
the timepiece quickly WANED.
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ANTONYMS
ad infinitum (ad in-fi-NY-tum). Without
end or limit.
Wilbur remarked wryly that he could
probably discuss the treatment facility’s
weaknesses AD INFINITUM.
interminably (in-TUR-min-uh-blee).
Seemingly without end or going on for an
indeterminate period of time.
“The body dies; the body’s beauty lives. /
So evenings die, in their green going, / A
wave, INTERMINABLY flowing.”—Wallace Stevens, American modernist poet
perpetuity (pur-pih-TOO-ih-tee). The
state or quality of being perpetual; of
indefinite duration; endless.
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In his will, Horace bequeathed his home
and property to the town in
PERPETUITY.
Sisyphean (siss-uh-FEE-uhn). Unavailing and endless, as a task.
Some days, keeping paperwork under
control seems a SISYPHEAN task.
71. Enthusiasm
(en-THOO-zee-az-im), noun
Intense or eager interest; zeal; fervor.
ADJECTIVES
ardent (AR-dent). Intense, passionate,
devoted; characterized by high emotion.
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Barbara, an ARDENT stamp collector,
has the most impressive collection of
French stamps in the school.
perfervid (per-FUR-vid). Overly intense
and passionate; overblown and dramatic.
We laughed at the distastefully
PERFERVID love letters that Roland sent
to Germaine.
rambunctious (ram-BUNGK-shuss).
Difficult to handle; wild and boisterous.
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“The golden age, when RAMBUNCTIOUS
spirits were regarded as the source of
evil.”—Friedrich Nietzsche, nineteenthcentury German philosopher
unrestrained.
behold.
NOUNS
aficionado (uh-fish-ee-uh-NAW-doe). A
devotee; someone who is enthralled with
and supports a particular activity;
enthusiast.
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My dad can’t get enough of it, but I’ve
never really been a baseball
AFICIONADO.
of astonishing.
élan (a-LON). Enthusiasm, energy, flair,
zest.
Bryanna reacted with ÉLAN when she
was tapped to be part of a feature for
Elite Travel magazine.
monomania (mon-uh-MAY-nee-uh). An
excessive or obsessive interest in a single
441/1316
thing; a psychosis characterized by focus
on a single subject.
Bird watching has become a
MONOMANIA for my parents, but it’s
harmless and appears to make them
happy.
verve (vurv). A spirited and enthusiastic
manner, particularly when embodied in
an artistic performance; an air of vitality.
The critics were unanimous in their opinion that, although the plot of the play was
implausible and its production values
poor, the actress playing the librarian
brought a unique VERVE to the role.
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ANTONYMS
tepid (TEHP-id). Characterized by a lack
of enthusiasm.
We greeted the new opera, with its
mawkish plot and poor acting, with
TEPID applause.
72. Essence
(ESS-uhns), noun
Something that exists; the intrinsic, fundamental nature and features of
something.
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ADJECTIVES
basal (BAY-suhl). Fundamental and
basic.
“The BASAL issue here,” Donny said, “is
what is right versus what is wrong!”
fundamental (fuhn-duh-MEN-tul). Of
or forming a foundation or basis; basic;
underlying; essential.
The discussion was wide-ranging, but
Roger insisted on bringing the focus back
to the FUNDAMENTAL issues facing the
company.
intrinsic (in-TRIN-zik). In the essential
nature of a thing.
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The INTRINSIC value of gold was one of
the few common economic factors the
nations could take advantage of.
NOUNS
milieu (mill-YEW). Cultural, social, and
physical surroundings; environment.
When I walked into the skateboard store,
I knew immediately that I was out of my
MILIEU.
ontology (on-TALL-uh-jee). A branch of
metaphysics concerned with the nature of
being and existence.
For several minutes, we had a lively conversation about the ONTOLOGY of
human perceptions.
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quintessence (kwin-TESS-uhns). The
pure, concentrated embodiment of
something.
“The earth is the very QUINTESSENCE of
the human condition.”—Hannah Arendt,
German-American political theorist
status quo (STA-tus KWO). The existing
state of affairs or condition.
Although Bill desperately wanted to get
married, Melanie was more interested in
preserving the STATUS QUO.
ANTONYMS
nihility (ny-HILL-uh-tee). The condition
of nothingness.
446/1316
Benjamin wondered if anything existed
after this life or if death brought about
NIHILITY.
nonexistence (non-ig-ZIS-tehns). The
condition of not existing; something that
does not exist.
“Excepting for knowledge nothing has
any meaning, and to have no meaning is
to be NONEXISTENCE.”—Richard Burdon Haldane, British politician and
philosopher
73. Ethos
(EE-thoss), noun
The core principles or beliefs of a religion,
culture, or community.
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ADJECTIVES
dogmatic (DAWG-matt-ik). A person
who adheres rigidly to principles, rules,
and beliefs, even when there is ample
evidence that doing so may not be the best
course of action.
Leroy is DOGMATIC in his assertion that
the Maserati Gran Turismo is superior to
the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
egalitarian (ih-gal-uh-TAIR-ee-uhn). To
be fair and balanced in the extreme; to act
in the belief that all people are created
equal and should be treated so.
“Chinks in America’s EGALITARIAN
armor are not hard to find. Democracy is
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the fig leaf of elitism.”—Florence King,
American author
holistic (ho-LISS-tik). Concerning the
whole person and not just a specific organ,
condition, or disease.
Marsha’s HOLISTIC approach to healing
involves channeling energy through
crystals.
NOUNS
demiurge (DEM-ee-urj). A powerful creative force or a creative personality.
After trying a few different professions,
Jackson realized that his ability with artifice, combined with his family connections, would make him a marketing
DEMIURGE.
449/1316
gestalt (geh-SHTALT). A unified whole.
“Feminism is an entire world view or
GESTALT, not just a laundry list of
women’s issues.”—Charlotte Bunch,
American feminist
humanism (HEW-mun-iz-um). The
intervention.
taste, and belief in the human race.”—E.
M. Forster, English novelist
450/1316
view.
American critic
monotheism (mawn-uh-THEE-iz-um).
A belief in one omnipotent, omniscient
God who is actively involved in the workings of both the physical universe that He
created and the society of people who
dwell in it.
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are all
examples of MONOTHEISM.
nationalism (NASH-eh-nul-iz-um). The
idea that citizens should take great pride
in their country and support it to the hilt;
extreme patriotism.
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Albert Einstein called NATIONALISM
“the measles of mankind.”
nominalism (NOM-ih-nuh-liz-um). A
philosophy that denies the existence of
universal truths.
Some scientists suspect that, rather than
being universal, the laws of physics may
vary in different regions of the universe—a strong supporting argument for
NOMINALISM.
pragmatism (PRAG-muh-tiz-um). The
belief that one’s actions should be guided
primarily based on knowledge or opinion
of what is likely to work best in a given
situation; the imperative to always do
what is practical and effective.
452/1316
Our families have succeeded in amassing
great wealth over many generations
because we are all, at heart, practitioners
of PRAGMATISM.
ANTONYMS
abjure (ab-JOOR). To renounce or turn
your back on a belief or position you once
held near and dear.
Once Jodi tasted my mouth-watering,
medium-rare filet mignon, she ABJURED
the vegetarian lifestyle forever.
“It was his idea of grand APOSTASY to
drive to the reform synagogue on the
453/1316
high holidays and park his pink-eye nag
among the luxurious, whirl-wired touring cars of the rich.”—Saul Bellow, American author
sacrilegious (sak-reh-LIJ-uss). Openly
insulting or disrespectful to the beliefs,
religion, ideas, and practices of others—especially the ones they hold most
sacred.
Bryson’s insistence that Miró is more collectible than Warhol is positively
SACRILEGIOUS.
74. Evil
(EE-vuhl), adjective
Wrong or bad morally; wicked.
454/1316
ADJECTIVES
abhorrent (ab-HOR-ent). Loathsome or
contemptible; reprehensible; repulsive;
repugnant; detestable.
Julie found the book’s recounting of the
details of serial murders particularly
ABHORRENT.
barbarous (BAR-ber-uss). Uncivilized or
primitive; characterized by brutality or
savagery; cruel and brutal.
Their captivity was marked by
BARBAROUS living conditions, psychological abuse, and little or no news of outside events.
455/1316
diabolical (dy-uh-BAWL-ih-kul). Devilish, evil; wicked or cruel.
The terrorists, the papers claimed, had a
DIABOLICAL agenda.
draconian (dray-KO-nee-ihn). Strict;
mean-spirited; excessively harsh; cruel, as
punishment or restriction.
Ophelia was distraught over the
DRACONIAN way that her father forced
her to stay with her chaperone
throughout their vacation on the Greek
Isles.
execrable (EK-si-kruh-bull). Disgusting;
detestable; vulgar.
Collectors of unauthorized Beatles
records must be prepared to pay high
prices for the illegal discs, which often
456/1316
feature tracks of EXECRABLE recording
quality.
Faustian (FOW-stee-in). Relating to
actions taken for selfish present gain
without care for future consequences, as
in a pact with the Devil.
The candidate made a FAUSTIAN bargain and aligned himself with a popular
rabble rouser.
flagitious (fluh-JISH-uss). Shamefully
wicked or particularly heinous.
Now that that the paparazzi hang on her
every move, Natasha goes out of her way
to engage in FLAGITIOUS behavior.
heinous (HAY-nuss). Evil; reprehensible; exceeding the bounds of morality.
457/1316
Because of the HEINOUS nature of this
crime, I am forced to pass a stern
sentence.
infernal (in-FER-nul). Fiendish; devilish; of or pertaining to hell.
This INFERNAL copier keeps breaking
down!
malicious (muh-LISH-uss). Spitefully
mean; evil; bad in intent.
Fred said his comments were all intended
as constructive criticism, but I detected a
MALICIOUS note in some of his
suggestions.
miscreant (MISS-kree-unt). Villainous;
depraved; vicious.
458/1316
Examples of Arthur’s MISCREANT behavior filled police files in three cities.
nefarious (nih-FAIR-ee-us). Inherently
evil, malicious, and unjust.
“You were preceded by your NEFARIOUS
reputation,” the sheriff said to the gunslinger who had just sidled up to the bar.
reprehensible (rep-ri-HEN-sih-bull).
Abhorrent; morally inexcusable.
I agree that the crimes were
REPREHENSIBLE; they were not,
however, committed by my client.
sadistic (suh-DISS-tik). Marked by
delight in being cruel to others.
Only a SADISTIC creep would give out as
much homework as Mr. Thomas.
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sinister (SIN-uh-ster). Unfavorable and
potentially harmful or dangerous; having
an evil appearance.
The SINISTER music gave me gooseflesh.
venal (VEE-null). Able to be bought,
bribed, or otherwise persuaded to deviate
from their beliefs and purpose; mercenary; corrupt.
“Give me but the liberty of the press, and
I will give to the minister a VENAL House
of Commons.”—Richard Brinsley
Sheridan, Irish playwright and
statesman
NOUNS
anathema (uh-NATH-eh-muh). A person or thing regarded as wrong in the
460/1316
highest degree; a loathsome, detestable
entity.
The ambassador warned us not to
attempt to discuss the issue of dropping
sanctions against the dictator; that subject is ANATHEMA to his government.
iniquity (ih-NIK-wih-tee). Injustice or
immoral action.
The many INIQUITIES suffered by Native Americans at the hands of government authorities are now being widely
acknowledged.
maleficence (muh-LEF-ih-sence). The
undertaking of evil or harmful acts.
The long-ignored MALEFICENCE of the
county’s corrupt prison system was
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finally exposed by a rookie Globe
reporter.
reprobate (REH-pro-bait). A person
who routinely commits illegal, immoral,
or unethical acts without hesitation or
remorse.
One reason that Anthony continues to be
a REPROBATE is because his father, as
well as his social contacts, keeps bailing
him out of jail.
turpitude (TUR-phi-tood). Vileness;
baseness; depravity.
It’s astonishing how many untalented
musicians have turned a case of
TURPITUDE into a successful career.
462/1316
ANTONYMS
benign (bih-NYN). Kindly, gentle, generous of spirit, not harmful.
“The universe seems neither BENIGN nor
hostile, merely indifferent.”—Carl Sagan,
American astronomer and writer
clement (KLEM-uhnt). Forbearing; lenient; merciful in disposition or character.
The defendant was fortunate that his trial
was held before a CLEMENT judge.
75. Exaggerate
(ig-ZAJ-uh-rayt), verb
463/1316
To think, write, or speak of something as
greater than it is; magnify beyond the
truth; overstate.
ADJECTIVES
magniloquent (mag-NILL-uh-kwuhnt).
Pompous, bombastic, and boastful.
The nouveau riche try to atone for their
lack of polish with MAGNILOQUENT
speech, but the result is ludicrous.
NOUNS
hyperbole (hy-PUR-buh-lee). Extravagant overstatement.
464/1316
I think you can safely regard his promise
to eat his hat if proven wrong as
HYPERBOLE.
jactitation (jak-ti-TAY-shun). A false
boast, especially one that is harmful to
others.
Beatrice tried to impress her classmates
by telling them her last name was
Kennedy. However, her JACTITATION
was discovered and her peers returned to
ignoring her.
VERBS
it really is.
465/1316
by stating that he belongs to the yacht
club, but everybody just thinks this elaboration makes him pathetic.
apotheosize (uh-POTH-ee-uh-syz). To
make into a god; deify; glorify.
Mark APOTHEOSIZED his new girlfriend
for the rest of the evening.
embellish (em-BELL-ish). To ornament
and beautify; to improve in appearance by
adornment; a convenient exaggeration of
the facts.
Marie’s gown was EMBELLISHED with
tiny pearls.
embroider (em-BROY-dur). To add
fanciful details to; embellish.
466/1316
Matt has been known to EMBROIDER the
history of his love life.
ANTONYMS
deemphasize (dee-EM-fuh-syz). To
reduce in importance; place lower
emphasis upon.
After sideswiping a telephone pole with
my father’s car on the way home from a
date, I did my best to DEEMPHASIZE the
damage.
understate (uhn-der-STAYT). To make a
weaker statement than is warranted by
truth, accuracy, or importance; to state
something weakly.
Understatement can be seen as a virtue in
the friend or acquaintance, but when
467/1316
companies UNDERSTATE their debt and
misrepresent themselves to investors and
the public, the practice is distinctly
malicious.
76. Excite
(ek-SYT), verb
To arouse or provoke sensations, feelings,
or emotions; to awaken; to stir to action.
ADJECTIVES
incendiary (in-SEN-dee-ayr-ee). Inflammatory or exciting; deliberately
provocative.
468/1316
Adam’s INCENDIARY remarks about my
mother’s parentage resulted in a bloody
nose for him and a night in jail for me.
lascivious (luh-SIV-ee-us). Arousing
sexual desire.
Grandmother Jones, upon being
informed that the dancers at the club had
done a can-can for us, denounced such
LASCIVIOUS goings-on.
NOUNS
brouhaha (BROO-ha-ha). An event that
involves or invokes excitement, turmoil,
or conflict.
The BROUHAHA in the hotel lobby was
the result of a rock star making his way
from his limousine to the elevator.
469/1316
author
frenzy (FREN-zee). A state of wild excitement; extreme emotional or mental
agitation.
What with studying for the bar exam and
planning her wedding, Sara had been in
an almost constant FRENZY for nearly
two months.
frisson (FREE-son). A sudden strong
feeling of excitement, conflict, or danger.
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“Pregnant women! They had that weird
FRISSON, an aura of magic that combined awkwardly with an earthy sense of
duty.”—Ruth Morgan, American novelist
furor (FYOOR-ur). Widespread excitement or anger; fury or uproar among persons or institutions.
Governor White’s indictment for embezzlement caused a FUROR in the state.
VERBS
exhilarate (ig-ZILL-uh-rayt). To make
lively; to excite or energize.
Those evening runs in the cool air of the
spring always EXHILARATED Tom,
especially after a day spent cooped up in
a stuffy office.
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ferment (fur-MENT). To cause agitation
or excitement, typically in order to incite
drastic change.
High oil prices began to FERMENT
efforts to find alternative fuel sources.
foment (foe-MENT). To rouse or incite.
“If perticuliar care and attention is not
paid to the Laidies we are determined to
FOMENT a Rebelion, and will not hold
ourselves bound by any Laws in which
we have no voice, or Representation.”—Abigail Adams, second First Lady
of the United States
titillate (TIT-l-ayt). To excite in an agreeable way.
With its stirring performance of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony, the full
472/1316
orchestra TITILLATED us at the Van
Gelders’ gala.
ANTONYMS
blasé (blah-ZAY). Unimpressed; bored;
apathetic to pleasure because of excessive
indulgence.
I told Jim that he stood a very good
chance of being fired this week, but to tell
you the truth, he seemed rather BLASÉ
about the whole thing.
imperturbable (im-per-TUR-buh-bull).
Describes someone or something incapable of being agitated or disturbed.
During the air turbulence, I felt calmer
due to my father’s IMPERTURBABLE
demeanor.
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phlegmatic (fleg-MAT-ik). Having a
calm, unexcitable temperament.
Allan’s PHLEGMATIC personality was
certainly helpful during the deadline
crunch in keeping us all from panicking.
F
77. Facile
(FASS-ul), adjective
Accomplished easily and with little effort.
ADJECTIVES
adroit (uh-DROYT). Skilled or clever in a
particular pursuit.
“It’s kind of sad,” Betty said to Barbara,
“that Will thinks being ADROIT at playing cat’s cradle will impress women.”
efficacious (eff-ih-KAY-shuss). Capable
of having a desired effect.
475/1316
“Example is always more EFFICACIOUS
than precept.”—Samuel Johnson, British
moralist and poet
lissome (LISS-um). Lithe; supple;
flexible.
Moira acquired her LISSOME frame
from years of swimming in her family’s
Olympic-sized pool.
lithe (lythe). Having a body and/or mind
that is limber, flexible, and supple.
“The coconut trees, LITHE and graceful,
crowd the beach… like a minuet of
slender elderly virgins adopting flippant
poses.”—William Manchester, American
historian
476/1316
tractable (TRAK-tuh-bull). Easygoing;
easily managed.
The occasional kind comment seems
rather enough to keep our servants
TRACTABLE.
NOUNS
of astonishing.
fecundity (fe-KUN-di-tee). The quality of
being exceptionally productive, creative,
fertile, or fruitful.
477/1316
“Blistering heat suddenly took the place
of Carboniferous moisture and
FECUNDITY.”—Simon Winchester, British author and journalist
ANTONYMS
abstruse (ab-STROOS). Arcane, complex, difficult to understand and learn.
Bob began to wish there was, in fact, a
Santa Claus because he found the “simple
instructions” to his son’s bicycle far too
ABSTRUSE.
obtuse (ob-TOOS). Lacking understanding, intelligence, and perception; unable
to comprehend; having a dense mind.
478/1316
Thomas was so OBTUSE, he didn’t realize
his inappropriate behavior was making
his friends uncomfortable.
quagmire (KWAG-myer). A thorny problem for which there is no ready solution; a
messy situation from which there is no
expeditious means of escape.
“Your home is regarded as a model home,
your life as a model life. But all this
splendor, and you along with it… it’s just
as though it were built upon a shifting
QUAGMIRE.”—Henrik Ibsen, Norwegian
playwright
78. False
(FALCE), adjective
479/1316
Not correct or true; fake; deceptive; not
genuine; erroneous.
ADJECTIVES
ersatz (AIR-zotz). Phony, fake, counterfeit; inferior as an imitation of an original.
Before his sentencing and jail term, the
artist made an impressive living selling
ERSATZ Rembrandt paintings.
factitious (fak-TISH-uss). Contrived;
fabricated.
At first, we thought the rumor
FACTITIOUS, but then we learned that
Hermes does, in fact, plan to design and
market a helicopter.
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fallacious (fuh-LAY-shuss). Based on
one or more false assumptions.
Since my online subscriber list is double
opt-in, accusing me of being a spammer
is wholly FALLACIOUS.
beads.
sophistic (suh-FIS-tik). Sounding reasonable, yet patently false.
One can argue that what is learned in
law school is largely the skill of making
SOPHISTIC arguments that a jury can
believe.
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specious (SPEE-shuss). Something that
appears correct on the surface but is in
fact wrong.
The judge summarily rejected the
SPECIOUS arguments put forth by the
defendant, which seemed to have no evidence to back them up.
spurious (SPYOOR-ee-us). False; inauthentic; not well thought out.
Every week I get SPURIOUS accusations
of being a spammer even though my list
is entirely double opt-in.
supposititious (suh-poz-ih-TISH-us).
Substituted with the intent of deceiving or
defrauding; counterfeit.
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The SUPPOSITITIOUS documents looked
genuine, even bearing the secret markings designed to prevent deception.
NOUNS
canard (kuh-NARD). A fabrication or
unfounded story.
The claim that the president of the company is likely to resign soon has been
thoroughly discredited, but you will still
hear some members of the opposition
spreading the CANARD.
fallacy (FOWL-uh-see). A misconception;
an erroneous perception; a deceit.
For some, childhood is a time of innocence; but it’s a FALLACY to say it is like
this for all children.
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feint (faynt). A false advance or attack
intended to catch an opponent off guard.
Jim made a FEINT with his left before
decking his opponent with a fierce right
cross.
subreption (sub-REP-shun). The dishonest misrepresentation or concealment
of facts.
The board’s report was replete with statistics, but as a summary of the situation,
it was a complete SUBREPTION.
VERBS
gainsay (GAYN-say). To declare false; to
oppose or contradict.
The principles of the Bill of Rights, Mr.
Secretary, will admit no GAINSAYING.
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offer.
ANTONYMS
unerring (uhn-UR-ing). Consistently
accurate; invariably precise or correct.
“The British public has always had an
UNERRING taste for ungifted amateurs.”—John Osborne, British
playwright
truthful.
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Many readers of a novel will feel cheated
and complain if it fails to provide a
VERACIOUS account of fictional
circumstances.
See also: Mistake
79. Fealty
(FEE-ul-tee), noun
A sense of obligation or loyalty, usually
existing because one person feels
beholden to another.
ADJECTIVES
obsequious (uhb-SEE-kwee-us). Subservient; eager to listen and to please others to
486/1316
an excessive degree; behaving in the manner of a servant or slave.
“[The political mind] is a strange mixture
of vanity and timidity, of an
OBSEQUIOUS attitude at one time and a
delusion of grandeur at another
time.—Calvin Coolidge
NOUNS
hierarchy (HY-uh-rar-kee). A pecking
order or ranking according to status or
level of authority.
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In the HIERARCHY of the military, a
medical doctor, who is assigned the rank
of captain but is not a military man,
automatically outranks a lieutenant who
may have years of battle experience.
homage (HOM-ij). Respect paid and
deference shown to a superior or other
person one admires, fears, or wishes to
emulate or praise.
Gary took black and white photos with a
nondigital camera in HOMAGE to Ansel
Adams, whose works he greatly admired.
honorific (on-uh-RIFF-ik). A tribute or
reward given in an effort to honor
someone as a sign of deep respect.
Lifetime achievement awards aren’t for
any single work, but an HONORIFIC for
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long service and a track record of
excellence.
obeisance (o-BAY-since). Deferential
respect or homage, or an act or gesture
expressing the same.
Rachael expressed OBEISANCE by allowing the elderly woman to sit in her plush
opera box, rather than in the mezzanine.
VERBS
truckle (TRUK-uhl). To submit
obsequiously to a command.
We have trained our servants to
TRUCKLE to our every whim.
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ANTONYMS
antidisestablishmentarianism (anteye-diss-es-STAB-lish-men-tare-ee-uhnizm). A movement or protest against an
established institution or authority.
No, Walter, bringing your own coffee to
Starbucks is not an example of
ANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARIANISM.
It’s just foolish.
quisling (KWIZ-ling). A traitor; a person
who conspires with the enemy.
The leader of Norway’s National Unity
movement was executed for being a
QUISLING in 1945.
promotes discontent or rebellion.
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of golf with him.
80. Fight
(FYT), verb
To be involved in a physical struggle or
battle; to try to overcome someone or
something; contend.
ADJECTIVES
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Doug is so touchy about his new Jaguar
that he’ll instantly turn BELLICOSE if
you so much as brush against it.
belligerent (buh-LIJ-er-ent). Aggressive
or pugnacious; eager to instigate a fight.
Don became overbearing and
BELLIGERENT with his employees after
his divorce, causing many of them to
resign.
internecine (in-ter-NEH-seen).
Involving or relating to conflict within a
group.
The INTERNECINE conflict became so
intense that it prevented the board from
functioning.
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pugnacious (pug-NAY-shuss). Inclined
to fight or quarrel; belligerent;
quarrelsome.
Teenagers are PUGNACIOUS by nature:
if I say “no,” he invariably asks “why?”
truculent (TRUK-yu-lent). Belligerent;
argumentative; always ready for a fight.
Short-tempered and TRUCULENT, Lucy
could be set off by the slightest incident or
comment.
NOUNS
donnybrook (DAWN-ee-brook). A freefor-all, knock-down, drag-out fight.
Police expected a DONNYBROOK at the
protest march, but both those for and
493/1316
those against the issue were peaceful and
courteous.
guerrilla (guh-RILL-uh). A member of
an informal group of fighters that attacks
enemies with surprise raids, sabotage,
booby traps, etc.
The nation’s army could not defeat the
GUERRILLAS, who seemed to swoop
down invisibly from the mountains,
wreak havoc, and then disappear.
pugilist (PYOO-juh-list). A person who
fistfights; a boxer.
Finally, the two PUGILISTS stepped into
the ring; the match was about to begin.
sciamachy (sy-AM-uh-kee). Fighting
with imaginary enemies; a sham fight.
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Arthur refused to believe that we supported him; believing the worst, he engaged
in a SCIAMACHY of his own making.
ANTONYMS
conciliatory (kon-SILL-ee-ah-tor-ee).
Actions or words meant to settle a dispute
or resolve a conflict in a manner that
leaves no hard feelings on either side.
British statesman and literary figure
harmony (HAR-muh-nee). Agreement in
feeling, action, ideas, interests, etc.;
peaceable or friendly relations.
“With an eye made quiet by the power of
HARMONY, and the deep power of joy,
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we see into the life of things.”—William
Wordsworth, English poet
81. Flawed
(FLAWD), adjective
Imperfect or defective in a way that
impairs the quality of, and detracts from,
one’s character.
ADJECTIVES
bibulous (BIB-yuh-luss). Related to
drinking or to drunkenness.
Arthur thinks he’s “fine,” but his
BIBULOUS activities are causing the club
to consider permanent expulsion.
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bilious (BILL-yuss). Having a nasty temperament or disagreeable disposition; to
be “full of bile” and hatred.
The polo team’s BILIOUS captain made
his team miserable as he proceeded to criticize their every move.
bumptious (BUMP-shuss). Overbearing
or crudely assertive; overly pushy or
impertinent.
We had difficulty crossing the border
because Nan got into a squabble with a
BUMPTIOUS border guard.
impulse.
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lewdness of the sleeping mind.”—John
Cheever, American novelist
captious (KAP-shuss). Fond of finding
faults in others; ill-natured and overly
critical; carping.
Ed’s CAPTIOUS remarks were entirely
inappropriate and showed his lack of
self-esteem.
churlish (CHUR-lish). Surly; mean;
boorish; rude; characterized by a lack of
We found it almost impossible to believe
that Diane’s new boyfriend was more
CHURLISH than his predecessor.
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déclassé (day-kluh-SAY). Of a fallen
social position or inferior status.
Jean thought her imitation designer bag
looked exactly like the real thing, but the
other girls in her exclusive private school
quickly ridiculed Jean—and her bag—for
being DÉCLASSÉ.
desultory (DEH-sul-tor-ee). Lacking
guidance or progressing randomly; aimless; fitful.
Unable to believe it was his last day on
the job, Bill’s DESULTORY thoughts
wandered through his mind.
effete (eh-FEET). Depleted and lacking
in vigor due to decadence or selfindulgence.
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The Eddingtons belong to an American
club of EFFETE snobs who claim to trace
their lineage back to the British royal
family
farouche (fuh-ROOSH). Unsociable;
cranky; withdrawn; fierce.
Your FAROUCHE behavior will not win
you any friends. In fact, it will simply alienate you from everyone.
gauche (GOHSH). Sorely lacking in the
social graces and good manners; crude
behavior.
Rhett was under the impression that one
needed only money to join the country
club. However, his GAUCHE demeanor
caused him to be denied membership.
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hapless (HAP-liss). Luckless;
unfortunate.
Oliver presented a rather HAPLESS figure during his first few days on the job,
but he soon mastered his new
responsibilities.
hidebound (HYD-bownd). Inflexible and
holding narrow opinions.
Arthur can be rather HIDEBOUND when
pontificating on the virtues of the classic
era versus the condition of the automobile
industry at present.
jaundiced (JAWN-dist). Demonstrating
prejudice, due to envy or resentment.
The Blythingtons’ JAUNDICED view of
our dinner parties is due to their financial
inability to entertain so lavishly.
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maladroit (mal-uh-DROIT). Lacking
adroitness; inept; awkward.
Ernie came in for a lot of teasing for his
MALADROIT negotiations with the usedcar dealer.
parasitic (pair-uh-SIT-ik). Describes
something or—more often—someone who
acts like a parasite and lives off of another
while doing little if anything useful.
My PARASITIC brother-in-law said he
was just going to stay with us until he got
back on his feet, but he’s been sitting
around on our couch for nearly a month
now!
pedantic (puh-DAN-tik). Intellectually
showy or overblown; making a great
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display of knowledge; overly concerned
with formal rules.
I found James’s PEDANTIC manner quite
condescending.
ungainly (un-GAYN-lee). Graceless.
Wilma, who had always thought of herself as UNGAINLY, was surprised at the
ease with which she and Clive moved
across the dance floor.
NOUNS
Achilles’ heel (uh-KILL-eez HEEL). A
vulnerable point.
Bob was a hard worker, but he often lost
jobs because of his ACHILLES’ HEEL, his
temper.
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bibliomania (bib-lee-oh-MAY-nee-uh).
A preoccupation with the acquisition and
ownership of books.
Lauren’s BIBLIOMANIA extends only to
her stockpile of catalogs for exclusive
shops.
foible (FOY-bull). A small flaw, weakness, or defect.
For all his flaws and FOIBLES, Richard
Nixon was perhaps the most effective
president on foreign policy in the twentieth century.
histrionics (hiss-tree-ON-iks). Over-thetop, unnecessarily dramatic behavior.
“Enough with the HISTRIONICS!” his
mother scolded, immediately shutting off
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the flow of tears and silencing his
bawling.
hypocrisy (hih-POK-ruh-see). Pretending to be something one is not, or pretending, for the sake of appearance, to have
high moral beliefs; pretense.
In Marilyn’s view, a marriage counselor
who advises others to live up to the ideal
of fidelity but who cheats on his own wife
exemplifies the worst kind of
HYPOCRISY.
schadenfreude (SHAH-dn-froy-duh).
Satisfaction or pleasure felt at the misfortune of another.
Wilson’s conviction on perjury charges
set off a festival of SCHADENFREUDE
among his many conservative detractors.
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ANTONYMS
impeccable (im-PEK-uh-bull). Without
defect or error; faultless; flawless.
“No office anywhere on earth is so puritanical, IMPECCABLE, elegant, sterile or
incorruptible as not to contain the yeast
for at least one affair, probably
more.”—Helen Gurley Brown, American
editor
paragon (PAIR-uh-gone). A peerless
model or pattern of perfection.
“What a piece of work is a man! How
noble in reason, how infinite in faculty, in
form and moving how express and
admirable, in action how like an angel, in
apprehension how like a god—the beauty
506/1316
of the world, the paragon of animals!”—William Shakespeare, English
dramatist
82. Foods
(FOODS), noun
Substances consumed by eating or drinking for nourishment, to provide energy, to
sustain life, or promote growth.
ADJECTIVES
culinary (KYOO-lih-nare-ee). Relating to
cooking or the preparation of food.
507/1316
My CULINARY efforts these days are
much humbler than my library of cookbooks would lead you to believe.
julienne (joo-lee-EN). In thin strips (of
vegetables).
Lisa knew JULIENNE vegetables would
look more elegant on the plates of her
dinner guests than those cut in the normal way.
NOUNS
aperitif (uh-pair-uh-TEEF). An alcoholic
beverage consumed before a meal.
The clock struck six o’clock and the guests
at the dinner party were served
APERITIFS.
508/1316
bisque (BISK). A thick and creamy soup
made with meat, fish, or shellfish.
Mom didn’t care what else was on the
menu, as long as the restaurant offered
lobster BISQUE.
bouillabaisse (boo-yuh-BASE). A stew
made from various kinds of fish, usually
shellfish.
After Uncle Charlie helped us clean the
fish and clams we’d caught, Aunt Pattie
showed us how to make her famous
BOUILLABAISSE.
compote (KOM-pote). A stewed fruit and
sugar dessert.
In addition to an unidentifiable brownish
meat in a dark, concealing sauce, many
509/1316
of the TV dinners I ate as a child included
a rather leaden strawberry COMPOTE.
grenadine (GREN-uh-deen). A
pomegranate-flavored syrup used in preparing mixed drinks.
Ted had planned to make Tequila Sunrises for the party, but as he had no
GRENADINE to add a hint of red, he
called the drinks “Tequila Sunbursts.”
gruel (GROOL). A thin, soup-like dish
made from cooked cereal or grain.
In one of the most memorable scenes
Dickens ever wrote, young Oliver Twist
loses a lottery among the workhouse boys
and must ask for an unprecedented
second helping of GRUEL.
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haggis (HAG-iss). A dish originating in
Scotland made by combing the diced
heart, liver, and lungs of a sheep or cow
with onions, suet, oatmeal, and seasonings, and placing the mixture into the
animal’s stomach, and boiling it.
Ivan had been enjoying the HAGGIS Mrs.
MacIntyre had prepared for him until he
asked her how it was made.
hardtack (HARD-tak). A hard biscuit
once common in the rations of sailors and
soldiers. Hardtack did not spoil—a major
logistical benefit.
By the end of the war, the Union soldiers
were thoroughly sick of the HARDTACK
and vegetable soup that had been the
mainstay of their diet.
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jambalaya (jam-buh-LY-uh). A spicy
Cajun dish featuring rice cooked with
ham, sausage, chicken, shrimp, or oysters,
and seasoned with herbs.
Anna had so much ham left over from
Easter dinner that she decided to try to
whip up a JAMBALAYA.
marzipan (MAR-zuh-pan). A popular
candy made from almonds, egg whites,
and sugar, often molded into the shapes of
animals.
In Europe it is quite common to decorate
a Christmas tree with edible decorations,
including gingerbread men, MARZIPAN
animals, and miniature fruitcakes.
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petit four (PET-ee FOR). A small decorated cake. Plural: petits fours (PET-ee
FORS).
Aunt Marcia always served tea and
PETITS FOURS at three o’clock.
quahog (KO-hawg). An edible clam
found off of the Atlantic coastline of North
America.
Every summer Grandpa would take us to
his beach house in Maine, where we’d fish
and dig for QUAHOGS in the quiet hours
before dawn.
sake (SAH-kee). A wine-like Japanese
beverage made with fermented rice.
When he returned from California, my
father and I dined on sushi and drank
513/1316
warm SAKE at his favorite Japanese
restaurant.
tangelo (TAN-juh-lo). A kind of citrus
fruit; hybrid of a tangerine and a
grapefruit.
The corner fruit market specialized in
stocking the more exotic fruits and vegetables, and for most of the year was the
only place in town where one could regularly purchase TANGELOS.
VERBS
flambé (flom-BAY). To serve in flaming
liquor (usually brandy).
Although the dinner was only so-so, the
raspberry custard that the waiter
514/1316
FLAMBÉD at our table was both dramatic and delicious.
ANTONYMS
abstain (ub-STAYN). To refrain from; to
refuse to partake in; to go without
voluntarily.
Maria, who had ABSTAINED from eating
meat while in high school, was persuaded
to try a cheeseburger on her graduation
night.
83. Fool
(FOOL), verb
To trick; deceive; dupe.
515/1316
ADJECTIVES
oblique (oh-BLEEK). Indirectly or deviously achieved; evasive; underhanded.
If direct appeals do not work, Amanda is
always quick to use OBLIQUE methods in
order to get her father to buy her
whatever luxury item she wants.
NOUNS
artifice (AR-ti-fiss). The use of clever
strategies and cunning methods to fool or
best others and tip an outcome in your
favor.
“Every art and ARTIFICE has been practiced and perpetrated to destroy the
516/1316
rights of man.”—Robert Ingersoll, American orator
gambit (GAM-bit). A remark used to
redirect a conversation; or, a maneuver
used to seek advantage.
“The catchphrase positively rejoices in
being a formula, an accepted GAMBIT, a
ready-made reaction.”—John Gross, British literary critic
guile (GYL). Deceit; treachery.
I was amazed at the GUILE Richard displayed in going after my biggest account.
legerdemain (lej-uhr-duh-MAYN).
Magic tricks; generally speaking, trickery
and deception.
517/1316
The Wilkinsons are one of the few of our
families whose initial wealth did not
come as a result of financial
LEGERDEMAIN.
VERBS
equivocate (ee-KWIV-uh-kayt). To
deceive through the use of ambiguous
language.
The candidate seemed to EQUIVOCATE
on the energy crisis with each speech he
made.
palter (PAWL-ter). To talk or act insincerely; deal crookedly.
It seemed that in every conversation I
had with her, Janice would PALTER and
I would pretend to believe it.
518/1316
prevaricate (pruh-VAIR-uh-kayt). To
avoid revealing the true nature of one’s
position, actions, feelings, etcetera; to be
untruthful.
My opponent has chosen to
PREVARICATE rather than address his
role in the scandal.
temporize (TEM-puh-ryz). To gain time
by being evasive or indecisive.
I unleashed a longwinded backstory in an
effort to TEMPORIZE and come up with a
logical explanation for my earlier
behavior.
519/1316
ANTONYMS
ingenuous (in-JEN-yoo-us). Candid;
frank; open; sincere; free from reserve or
restraint.
Dorothy’s INGENUOUS remarks
revealed the depth of her friendship
toward the deceased.
naïveté (nah-eev-TAY). The state of
being naïve; simplicity; artlessness.
Mother’s NAÏVETÉ was no act; she could
not deceive and firmly believed everyone
else was just as honest.
84. Forgive
(fer-GIV), verb
520/1316
To give up the desire to punish or resentment against; to stop being angry with;
grant remission of an offense; pardon.
ADJECTIVES
venial (VEE-nee-uhl). Forgivable; not
serious; excusable.
Stealing a kiss may be a VENIAL offense
depending on the circumstances.
NOUNS
amnesty (AM-nuh-stee). Freedom from
imprisonment for large numbers of
people, initiated by a government.
The prisoners of war waited years for
AMNESTY.
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clemency (KLEM-uhn-see). Forbearance
or mercy toward a wrongdoer or opponent; lenience in cases where circumstances warrant.
The governor’s show of CLEMENCY for
Callahan may come back to haunt him at
election time.
VERBS
absolve (ab-ZOLV). To formally pronounce guiltless or blameless; to relieve of
any responsibility for an actual or alleged
misdeed.
The judge ABSOLVED the accused of any
wrongdoing.
522/1316
acquit (uh-KWIT). To release from a duty
or obligation; to declare not guilty (of
something); exonerate.
With little evidence of guilt, the jury had
to ACQUIT the defendant.
exculpate (EK-skull-payt). To free
someone from an obligation or burden, or
prove the innocence of someone suspected
of being guilty.
Gerald Ford’s pardon EXCULPATED
Richard Nixon legally, but history consigned him to the role of a disgraced
president forever.
exonerate (ig-ZON-uh-rayt). To clear or
free from blame or guilt; to restore (one’s
reputation).
523/1316
After the charges were thrown out and
Brian was completely EXONERATED, he
was free to continue his work in the
securities industry.
ANTONYMS
chastise (chass-TYZ). To punish in order
to correct; to criticize severely.
The boarding school lived up to its reputation as a severe environment where a
boy would be CHASTIZED for every
infraction no matter how small.
oppressed (uh-PREST). Kept down by
the unjust or cruel use of authority or
power; burdened with harsh, rigorous
impositions.
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“Freedom is never voluntarily given by
the oppressor; it must be demanded by
the OPPRESSED.”—Martin Luther King,
Jr., American minister and civil-rights
leader
85. Fun
(FUHN), noun
A source or cause of amusement or merriment; enjoyment.
ADJECTIVES
facetious (fuh-SEE-shuss). Meant to get
a laugh rather than to be taken seriously;
sarcastic.
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“Boarding school manners and attitudes—stoic denial, FACETIOUS
irony—are still deeply entrenched in the
character of the country.”—Jonathan
Raban, British travel writer and novelist
gamesome (GAYM-suhm). Playful and
frolicsome.
“[Nature] is GAMESOME and good, / But
of mutable mood,— / No dreary repeater
now and again, / She will be all things to
all men.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet, essayist, and transcendentalist
risible (RIZZ-uh-bull). Capable of causing laughter due to its ludicrous nature.
Janine’s decision to summer in the
Hamptons instead of on the French
526/1316
Riviera was deemed RISIBLE by the rest
of us.
waggish (WAG-ish). Joking, witty, and
mischievous; occasionally, dog-like.
“This species of ‘fame’ a WAGGISH
acquaintance says can be manufactured
to order, and sometimes is so manufactured.”—Herman Melville, American
author
NOUNS
disport (dih-SPORT). A diversion or
amusement.
Felicia has turned the act of arguing with
the proprietors of her favorite boutiques
into a DISPORT.
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revelry (REV-uhl-ree). Boisterous festivity and merrymaking.
“Midnight shout and REVELRY, / Tipsy
dance and jollity.”—John Milton, English
poet
VERBS
carouse (kuh-ROWZ). To engage in boisterous social activity.
We CAROUSED until dawn at the New
Year’s Eve party that the Weathertons
hold every year.
gambol (GAM-bull). To run, skip, or
jump about in a playful or joyous fashion.
“We all have these places where shy
humiliations GAMBOL on sunny
528/1316
afternoons.”—W. H. Auden, Anglo-American poet
ANTONYMS
dishearten (dis-HAR-tun). To deprive of
enthusiasm; to depress the spirits or courage of; discourage.
“A cynic can chill and DISHEARTEN with
a single word.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson,
American poet
somber (SAWM-ber). Depressed or
depressing; gloomy; dismal, melancholy;
sad.
Due to the seriousness of the situation, the
television announcer spoke in SOMBER
tones.
G
86. Gauche
(GOHSH), adjective
Sorely lacking in the social graces and
good manners; crude behavior.
ADJECTIVES
benighted (bee-NYE-ted). To be lost,
ignorant, or unenlightened.
The medieval period was a BENIGHTED
era of superstition.
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fatuous (FATCH-oo-us). Trivial, silly,
absurd, unimportant, pointless.
“I’m sick of pretending that some
FATUOUS male’s self-important pronouncements are the objects of my undivided attention.”—Germaine Greer,
Australian writer and scholar
531/1316
ribald (RIB-uld). Lewd; off-color; somewhat dirty and inappropriate.
“It is… useful to distinguish between the
pornographic, condemned in every society, and the bawdy, the RIBALD, the
shared vulgarities and jokes, which are
the safety valves of most social systems.”—Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist
NOUNS
philistine (FILL-ih-steen). A crude and
ignorant person who is disinterested in
and does not appreciate culture and the
arts.
“A PHILISTINE is a full-grown person
whose interests are of a material and
532/1316
commonplace nature, and whose mentality is formed of the stock ideas and conventional ideals of his or her group and
time.”—Vladimir Nabokov, RussianAmerican novelist
troglodyte (TRAWG-luh-dyt). A person
considered to be primitive, out of date,
coarse, uncouth, ill-mannered, or brutish.
Sick and tired of going out with
TROGLODYTES, Janet told her friends
she was through with blind dates.
yahoo (YAH-hoo). A boorish, uncultivated, common person.
“Factory windows are always broken. /
Somebody’s always throwing bricks, /
Somebody’s always heaving cinders, /
533/1316
Playing ugly YAHOO tricks.”—Vachel
Lindsay, American poet
yob (YAWB). A cruel and loutish young
man; a bully.
“Mick Jagger, alternately slurring YOB
and lisping lordling, is classlessness apotheosised.”—Philip Norman, British
author
VERBS
yawp (YAWP). To make a raucous, clamorous noise.
“I sound my barbaric YAWP over the
roofs of the world.”—Walt Whitman,
534/1316
ANTONYMS
beguiling (bee-GY-ling). Charming;
bewitching; enchanting.
The BEGUILING charm Monica learned
at finishing school more than makes up
for her vapid personality.
savoir faire (SAV-wahr-FAYR). An evident sense of confidence, optimism, and
proficiency in the task at hand.
Eileen hosted a charity luncheon for forty
people with her usual SAVOIR FAIRE.
87. Gift
(GIFT), noun
Something given or bestowed; a present.
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ADJECTIVES
eleemosynary (ell-uh-MOSS-uh-nairee). Having to do with charity or charitable activity.
Our boss is always reminding us that
we’re a for-profit business, not an
ELEEMOSYNARY organization.
NOUNS
bequest (bih-KWEST). Something (property, etc.) given to another in a will; a
legacy.
My uncle’s BEQUEST was the stuff of
fantasy: a house in the south of France.
536/1316
douceur (doo-SIR). A bribe or a conciliatory gift.
After Francine’s father refused to buy her
another polo pony, he offered her the
DOUCEUR of a weekend at an exclusive
spa.
endowment (en-DOW-munt). Income
derived from donations; a grant.
The research project did not need to campaign for money, as its expenses were
funded by an ENDOWMENT.
lagniappe (lan-YAP). An unexpected
bonus gift or extra benefit; the icing on the
cake.
Frederick would have bought the expensive car, even without the LAGNIAPPE of
a voice-activated navigation system.
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largesse (lar-JESS). The generous
bestowal of gifts; generosity in general.
“A LARGESS universal, like the sun, / His
liberal eye doth give to everyone, / Thawing cold fear.”—William Shakespeare
oblation (uh-BLAY-shun). A religious
offering; a holy gift typically offered at an
altar or shrine.
Sophia could be counted on to say a
prayer and offer an OBLATION every
day she was healthy enough to walk to
church.
offertory (AW-fer-tor-ee). An element
used during a Christian communion
service.
The OFFERTORY is preceded and followed by a prayer.
538/1316
recompense (REK-um-pence).
Something of value given to make up for
injury or inconvenience, either accidental
or deliberate.
“To be remembered after we are dead, is
but poor RECOMPENSE for being treated
with contempt while we are living.”—William Hazlitt, English literary critic and
philosopher
subvention (sub-VEN-shun). Money
granted, usually from a government or
other authority, to be used in the support
of an institution, study, or program; subsidy; grant.
Many nonprofit art and humanitarian
organizations owe their existence to government’s SUBVENTION.
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ANTONYMS
forfeit (FOR-fit). Something a person
loses or has to give up; a fine; penalty.
“If once you FORFEIT the confidence of
your fellow citizens, you can never regain
their respect and esteem.”—Abraham Lincoln, American president
relinquish (ri-LING-kwish). To give up;
to surrender or forswear something.
“Time does not RELIQUISH its rights,
either over human beings or over mountains.”—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe,
German playwright and novelist
88. Grand
(GRAND), adjective
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Imposing because of size, beauty, or
extent; magnificent; splendid; majestic.
ADJECTIVES
august (aw-GUHST). Inspiring awe, reverence, or admiration; imposing; eminent.
After waiting for hours, we were finally
escorted to the dean’s office and found
ourselves in his AUGUST presence.
epic (EP-ik). Of major proportions;
extraordinary.
Rosa Park’s refusal to sit at the back of
the bus would take on legendary status in
the EPIC struggle for civil rights.
541/1316
regal (REE-gull). Fit for or characteristic
of a king; royal.
The king exercised his REGAL powers for
the benefit of his subjects and kingdom.
reginal (ri-JY-nul). Like or characteristic
of a queen; queenly; royal.
In the event she rise to the throne, the
princess was given instruction and training in REGINAL duties and conduct.
resplendent (reh-SPLEN-dent). Full of
splendor; shining brightly; dazzling.
The bride was RESPLENDENT in a
beaded silk gown.
sublime (suh-BLYM). Reaching new
levels of quality and perfection unduplicated elsewhere; of such immense beauty
542/1316
that the viewer’s breath is taken away,
metaphorically speaking.
“The SUBLIME and the ridiculous are
often so nearly related, that it is difficult
to class them separately. One step above
the SUBLIME makes the ridiculous, and
one step above the ridiculous makes the
SUBLIME again.”—Thomas Paine, English revolutionary and intellectual
sui generis (SOO-aye JEN-er-is). Of its
own kind; individual; unique.
The royal wedding was a SUI GENERIS
event.
sumptuous (SUMP-choo-us). Extravagant; lavish.
A SUMPTUOUS feast awaited the couple
at the hotel.
543/1316
transcendent (tran-SEN-dent). Going
beyond normal everyday experience;
existing beyond the known physical universe and its limitations.
“Genius… means the TRANSCENDENT
capacity of taking trouble.”—Thomas
Carlyle, Scottish satirist and historian
ANTONYMS
menial (MEE-nee-uhl). Of or fit for servants; low; mean.
“Such MENIAL duties; but her way / Of
looking at them lent a grace / To things
the world deemed commonplace.”—Ella
Wheeler Wilcox, American poet and
writer
544/1316
89. Greed
(GREED), noun
Excessive desire to acquire possessions,
wealth, etc.; craving more than is necessary or appropriate.
ADJECTIVES
edacious (ih-DAY-shuss). Greedy, eager,
and consumed with consumption.
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It’s not fair to label Rosella EDACIOUS
because she only wants the same luxury
items the rest of us desire.
rapacious (ruh-PAY-shuss). Taking by
force; plundering; predatory.
It appeared that Jon set out to prove that
power corrupts with his RAPACIOUS
habits.
voracious (vuh-RAY-shuss). Possessing
a huge and insatiable appetite, whether
for food, knowledge, amusement, or
something else.
Her son always had a VORACIOUS
desire for knowledge. He read anything
he could get his hands on and was always
willing to experience something new.
546/1316
ANTONYMS
munificent (myoo-NIFF-uh-suhnt).
Characterized by great generosity.
The Pattersons are so MUNIFICENT that
they give to charity year-round rather
than merely at times when giving offers
tax benefits.
noblesse oblige (no-BLESS ohBLEEZH). An act of generosity, charity, or
kindness performed by a rich person for
the benefit of someone less fortunate than
himself, viewed by the giver as paying the
universe back for his good fortune.
Donald gave the young man a job not out
of a sense of pity or guilt, but out of a
sense of NOBLESSE OBLIGE.
547/1316
philanthropist (fill-ANN-throw-pist). A
person who generously gives of his or her
time, energy, and money to charity.
Bill Gates is the most proactive
PHILANTHROPIST out of all the billionaires who care to invest their time in contributing to charitable causes.
90. Group
(GROOP), noun
A collection or assembly of persons or
things; a meeting.
548/1316
ADJECTIVES
sectarian (sek-TARE-ee-in). Relating to
the practices, nature, or activities of a sect.
“In the early 1990s, as the insurgency
took on a more unambiguously religious
and SECTARIAN flavor, several Pandits
were killed, and most of the rest fled for
their lives.”—William Dalrymple, Scottish
historian and author
NOUNS
cabal (kuh-BAL). An underground society, secret religious sect, or other private
group assembled for purposes hidden
from those around them.
549/1316
I was shocked when our neighbors asked
us to join a CABAL of devil worshippers;
after all, he is a deacon at the local
church!
cadre (KAH-dray). A group of trained
personnel capable of forming and training
a larger organization, typically a government or military agency.
Even after the war ended, a number of
officers were left to form a CADRE in
order to quell future unrest in the region.
cartel (kar-TELL). A group assembled
with the objective of establishing mutual
control over prices, production, and marketing of goods by the members; a coalition of political figures united for a
particular cause.
550/1316
The oil CARTEL had succeeded in driving
world energy prices up significantly.
confraternity (kahn-fruh-TUR-nih-tee).
An association of people united for a common cause.
Eager to improve the condition of our
neighborhood playgrounds, Carol and I
joined a town CONFRATERNITY that
had formed for that purpose.
consortium (kun-SOR-tee-um). A
union, partnership, or alliance, especially
one among financial or business entities.
Mr. Sparks represented a CONSORTIUM
of firms.
551/1316
convocation (kon-vo-KAY-shun). An
assembly of people gathered in response
to a summons.
The address Mr. Freling gave at the
CONVOCATION challenged all graduates
to excel.
coterie (KOH-tuh-ree). an exclusive
group of people, often meeting with a specific goal in mind.
Those in favor of the proposal formed a
COTERIE that quickly became a very
vocal minority.
faction (FAK-shin). A small dissenting
group within a larger one.
“I will keep where there is wit stirring,
and leave the FACTION of fools.”—William Shakespeare
552/1316
guild (gild). A group of people dedicated
to common interests or goals; an association of like-minded individuals.
Although she knew it was only a first
step, Andrea couldn’t help feeling that
joining the Screen Actors GUILD meant
she was on her way to becoming a star.
kaffeeklatsch (KAW-fee-klatch). An
informal social gathering, typically including coffee and gossip.
Jeanette is not welcome at our
KAFFEEKLATSCH because she refuses to
gossip about her social contacts.
phalanx (FAY-lanks). A group of closely
assembled people or animals, usually
working together for a specific purpose,
such as launching an attack.
553/1316
The geek tried not to show his fear in the
hallway, as the PHALANX of jocks
walked in his direction.
retinue (RET-n-oo). A group of companions or followers (of a person of great
importance); an entourage.
The president and his RETINUE are
expected here just before noon.
ANTONYMS
anchorite (ANG-kuh-ryt). A person who
lives alone and apart from society for religious meditation; recluse; hermit.
“And even in the most refined circles and
with the best surroundings and circumstances, one must keep something of the
original character of an ANCHORITE,
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for otherwise one has no root in oneself.”—Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter
eremite (AIR-uh-myt). A hermit; religious recluse.
John chose the life of an EREMITE as the
way to spiritual salvation and moral
redemption.
ochlophobia (ock-luh-FO-be-uh). An
illogical fear or dread of crowds.
Betty never realized she suffered from
OCHLOPHOBIA until she moved to the
city, where she had great difficulty walking to and from work during rush hour.
91. Grouse
(GROUSS), verb
555/1316
To complain or grumble about one’s
situation.
ADJECTIVES
acrimonious (ak-rih-MOAN-ee-us).
Angry; bitter; disputed.
will be gone forever in a few
years…”—Raymond Chandler, American
author
fractious (FRAK-shuss). Easily angered
or irritable; quarrelsome; unruly.
556/1316
“Sex is metaphysical for men, as it is not
for women. Women have no problem to
solve through sex. Physically and psychologically, they are serenely self-contained. They may choose to achieve, but
they do not need it. They are not thrust
into the beyond by their own FRACTIOUS
bodies.”—Camille Paglia, American
author, feminist, and social critic
jaundiced (JAWN-dist). Demonstrating
prejudice, due to envy or resentment.
The Blythingtons’ view of our dinner
parties is JAUNDICED by the fact that
our personal chef is superior to theirs.
querulous (KWAIR-eh-luss). Habitually
whining and griping.
557/1316
Their QUERULOUS manner with the
waiter made them unpleasant and
embarrassing dinner companions.
NOUNS
animadversion (an-uh-mad-VERzhun). Very harsh criticism that suggests
disapproval of what is being criticized.
My boss’s frequent ANIMADVERSIONS
have led to high staff turnover.
bête noire (bett-NWAR). A thing for
which one has an intense dislike or great
fear; a dreaded enemy or foe.
Sunlight was Dracula’s greatest BÊTE
NOIRE.
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jeremiad (jare-uh-MY-uhd). A document
or speech in which the author bitterly rails
against the injustices of society or warns
of impending death, destruction, or doom.
The Unabomber’s Manifesto was an intelligently written JEREMIAD.
misanthrope (MISS-un-throwp). A person of antisocial nature who dislikes other
people and thinks poorly of them until
they give him reason not to.
559/1316
Harold has become a veritable
MISANTHROPE since Anabelle refused to
attend the regatta with him.
VERBS
abominate (uh-BOM-in-ayt). To loathe;
hate; detest.
“For my part, I ABOMINATE all honorable respectable toils, trials, and tribulations of every kind
whatsoever.”—Herman Melville, American author
castigate (KAS-tuh-gayt). To scold or criticize harshly.
girls without checking their ID first.
560/1316
denigrate (DEN-ih-grayt). Insult; put
down; demean; belittle.
“Everything we shut our eyes to,
everything we run away from,
everything we deny, DENIGRATE or despise, serves to defeat us in the
end.”—Henry Miller, American author
and painter
harry (HAIR-ee). To torment with constant attacks.
“At middle night great cats with silver
claws, / Bodies of shadow and blind eyes
like pearls, / Came up out of the hole, and
red-eared hounds / With long white bodies came out of the air / Suddenly, and
ran at them and HARRIED
561/1316
them.”—William Butler Yeats, Irish poet
and dramatist
ANTONYMS
levity (LEV-ih-tee). Lack of appropriate
seriousness; or, inconstant in nature.
“Love, which is the essence of God, is not
for LEVITY, but for the total worth of
man.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson, American
poet, essayist, and transcendentalist
waggish (WAG-ish). Joking, witty, and
mischievous.
562/1316
“This species of ‘fame’ a WAGGISH
acquaintance says can be manufactured
to order, and sometimes is so manufactured.”—Herman Melville, American
author
92. Grow
(GROH), verb
To develop naturally, as any living organism; increase in size or amount.
VERBS
burgeon (BURR-jin). To sprout, to grow;
to blossom and flourish.
Natalia does her part for the
BURGEONING “green” movement by
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having her gardener turn manure from
her stables into fertilizer.
coalesce (ko-uh-LESS). To unite or grow
into a single whole.
No amount of pleading from Jones could
convince the two unions to COALESCE.
dilate (DIE-layt). To expand.
The rock star’s pupils had DILATED,
leading some to believe that he had been
experimenting again with narcotics, and
quite recently.
maturate (MATCH-uh-rayt). To mature;
ripen; develop.
The pediatrician told Alice that her son
would one day MATURATE, but his teen
564/1316
years have come and gone and she is still
waiting for the evidence.
propagate (PROP-uh-gayt). To grow,
breed, or cause to multiply and flourish.
“The fiction of happiness is
PROPAGATED by every
tongue.”—Samuel Johnson, British moralist and poet
ripen (RY-puhn). To become ripe; to
reach maturity or a state of full physical
and/or emotional development.
Arthur was pleased to watch his granddaughter grow and RIPEN intellectually.
565/1316
ANTONYMS
subside (sub-SYD). To become less active; to become quiet; abate.
“Friendship may, and often does, grow
into love, but love never SUBSIDES into
friendship.”—Lord Byron, English poet
wither (WITHE-er). To dry up; shrivel;
to lose vigor or freshness; become wasted
or decayed.
“The person who tries to live alone will
not succeed as a human being. His heart
WITHERS if it does not answer another
heart. His mind shrinks away if he hears
only the echoes of his own thoughts and
finds no other inspiration.”—Pearl Buck,
American author
H
93. Happy
(HAP-ee), adjective
Having, showing, or causing a feeling of
great pleasure, contentment, or joy; lucky.
ADJECTIVES
convivial (kuhn-VIV-ee-ull). Fond of
feasting, drinking, and companionship.
“One does not leave a CONVIVIAL party
before closing time.”—Winston Churchill,
British statesman and orator
567/1316
about something.
Marcus.
gregarious (greh-GAIR-ee-us). An extrovert; an outgoing person; one who is
friendly and cheerful in nature.
568/1316
carefree, prosperous.
“It was the most HALCYON summer I
ever spent.”—Rick Bass, American author
and environmental activist
jocose (joe-KOSE). Humorous, playful,
and characterized by good humor.
Her son’s JOCOSE nature marked him for
a career in sales, rather than
administration.
569/1316
orgiastic (or-jee-AS-tik). Arousing
unrestrained emotional release.
William becomes loathsomely
ORGIASTIC when he attends and bids at
art auctions.
sanguine (SANG-gwin). Accepting of circumstances with good cheer and a positive
attitude.
“Many marketers were SANGUINE about
the Do Not Call introduction, saying that
it helped better focus their telephone
570/1316
communications.”—Eleanor Trickett, DM
News editor
NOUNS
beatitude (bee-AT-it-tood). Being in the
highest possible state of happiness, good
humor, and contentment.
“Kindness is a virtue neither modern nor
urban. One almost unlearns it in a city.
Towns have their own BEATITUDE; they
are not unfriendly; they offer a vast and
solacing anonymity or an equally vast
and solacing gregariousness.”—Phyllis
McGinley, American author and poet
bon vivant (bon vee-VAWN). A person
who enjoys living well.
571/1316
In Paris with her rich aunt, Janice lived
the life of a BON VIVANT, shopping and
dining out to her heart’s content.
felicity (fih-LISS-ih-tee). A state of blissful happiness.
“Never lose sight of the fact that all
human FELICITY lies in man’s imagination, and that he cannot think to attain it
unless he heeds all his caprices.”—Marquis de Sade, French aristocrat and
revolutionary
levity (LEV-ih-tee). Lightness;
insubstantiality.
Gentlemen, with all due respect, we face a
crisis; this is no time for LEVITY.
572/1316
roisterer (ROY-stir-er). Party-goer, celebrator, one who has a good time in a loud
and boisterous manner.
The ROISTERERS’ enjoyment of the
party was so infectious, their neighbors
joined them instead of complaining about
the noise.
ANTONYMS
defeatist (dih-FEET-ist). Accepting
defeat as an unavoidable consequence of
life; pessimistic.
Sheldon’s DEFEATIST attitude led Monica, his supervisor, to wonder whether he
would ever complete the project he was
working on.
573/1316
malcontent (mal-kuhn-TENT). A discontented, resentful, or rebellious person.
Harvey is such a MALCONTENT that
he’ll argue with you if you tell him it’s a
nice day!
saturnine (SAT-ur-nyn). Moody; morose; gloomy; unhappy; having a pessimistic outlook on life.
Ever since his father told him he could not
have another Lotus Esprit, Williams has
acted positively SATURNINE.
94. Harass
(huh-RASS), verb
To bother persistently; disturb continually; pester; persecute.
574/1316
VERBS
badger (BAJ-er). To torment as if baiting
a badger; to urge persistently; nag.
Martha was convinced that she had to
BADGER her daughter to do her
homework.
beleaguer (beh-LEE-ger). To persistently surround, harry, or bother until you
get what you want.
To the embarrassment of her friends,
Kristen BELEAGUERED the sommelier
until he brought her a satisfactory
Bordeaux.
besiege (bih-SEEJ). To submit a person
or body to insistent demands from all
sides; to crowd around.
575/1316
Everywhere he went, the movie idol was
BESIEGED by crazed fans looking for
autographs and even pieces of his hair or
clothing.
harry (HAIR-ee). To torture with constant attacks.
ran at them and HARRIED them.”—William Butler Yeats, Irish poet and
dramatist
hector (HEK-ter). To bully; dominate.
The coach HECTORED the boys so often
that they quit the team in disgust.
576/1316
inculcate (IN-kul-kayt). To impress an
idea or belief upon someone by repeating
it to that person over and over until the
idea is firmly lodged in his brain.
New cult members are quickly
INCULCATED with the cult leader’s
beliefs and world view.
ANTONYMS
facilitate (fuh-SIL-ih-tayt). To make
easier; to lighten the work of; help; assist.
“Every human being must find his own
way to cope with severe loss, and the only
job of a true friend is to FACILITATE
whatever method he chooses.”—Caleb
Carr, American novelist
577/1316
respite (RESS-pit). A temporary delay or
postponement, especially of something
distressing.
“Sweet Flower of Hope! free Nature’s
genial child! / That didst so fair disclose
thy early bloom, / Filling the wide air
with a rich perfume! / For thee in vain all
heavenly aspects smiled; / From the hard
world brief RESPITE could they
win.”—Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English
poet
95. Harm
(HARM), verb
To hurt, damage, or impair; injure.
578/1316
ADJECTIVES
baleful (BAIL-ful). Ominous; signaling
evil to come.
It always seemed to me that Mrs.
Howard had a BALEFUL gleam in her
eye as she passed out her absurdly difficult tests.
baneful (BAYN-ful). Venomous; deadly;
ruinous.
Austin relaxed when he learned that the
outback did not contain all the BANEFUL
plants and animals that he had imagined.
deleterious (dell-ih-TEER-ee-us).
Harmful; damaging.
579/1316
Smoking has been proven to have a
DELETERIOUS effect on one’s health.
internecine (in-ter-NESS-een). Characterized by slaughter; deadly.
The INTERNECINE conflict was particularly unfortunate in its thoroughness.
noisome (NOY-sum). Harmful or injurious to the health; offensive.
The NOISOME chemicals were placed in
a locked room.
noxious (NOK-shuss). Morally harmful
and pernicious.
Even with his wealth, good looks, and
charm, Steven has such a NOXIOUS personality that we always feel awful after
spending time with him.
580/1316
pernicious (purr-NISH-us). Resulting in
damage or harm; having a debilitating
effect.
We believe that, once the producers of
luxury items become publicly traded
companies, the results will be
PERNICIOUS.
NOUNS
juggernaut (JUG-er-nawt). A large,
overpowering, destructive force.
Once he begins arguing about the superiority of Maseratis, Jefferson becomes a
JUGGERNAUT, capable of deflating anyone else’s arguments.
581/1316
maleficence (muh-LEF-ih-sense).
Action that deliberately causes harm;
behavior driven by evil intentions.
Our upstairs maid’s various acts of
MALEFICENCE finally caused her to be
released from our family’s employment.
scourge (SKURJ). A cause of widespread
or great affliction.
Famine is one of humanity’s most horrific
SCOURGES.
VERBS
debilitate (dih-BILL-uh-tayt). To make
weak or feeble.
Several hours on the polo fields are
enough to DEBILITATE even the most
robust player.
582/1316
decimate (DESS-ih-mayt). To reduce
something greatly, to the point of wiping it
out.
“Every doctor will allow a colleague to
DECIMATE a whole countryside sooner
than violate the bond of professional
etiquette by giving him away.”—George
Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright
deface (dih-FACE). To disfigure or
damage.
It breaks my heart to see the old stone
bridge, my one unchanging companion
from boyhood, DEFACED with the spraypainted grumblings of drunken
teenagers.
defile (dih-FYL). To pollute; to corrupt or
make unclean.
583/1316
The river that only a few years ago ran
clean and clear is now DEFILED with a
witches’ brew of chemicals, thanks to the
new tanning plant.
desecrate (DESS-ih-krayt). To abuse the
sacred character of a thing; to treat disrespectfully or irreverently.
Such profane language from our organization’s current leader serves only to
DESECRATE the memory of the founder.
Earth.
584/1316
exacerbate (ig-ZASS-er-bayt). To take
action that makes a situation worse or
aggravates it further.
The problem with the mission was further
EXACERBATED when the outer tiles
ripped away from the space shuttle.
raze (RAYZ). To tear down or demolish.
We had to RAZE our Cape Cod home and
rebuild it entirely, due to some structural
damage caused by high winds.
vitiate (VISH-ee-ayt). To spoil or impair
the quality of; corrupt.
“A VITIATED state of morals, a corrupted
public conscience, is incompatible with
freedom.”—Patrick Henry, American
patriot
585/1316
ANTONYMS
innocuous (ih-NAWK-yew-us). Not
harmful or offensive; innocent, incidental,
and hardly noticeable.
“I know those little phrases that seem so
INNOCUOUS and, once you let them in,
pollute the whole of speech.”—Samuel
Beckett, Irish writer, dramatist, and poet
See also: Abuse
96. Hate
(HAYT), verb
To have intense dislike or ill will for; despise; detest; loathe.
586/1316
ADJECTIVES
contemptuous (kun-TEMP-choo-us).
Feeling or expressing disdain, disapproval, deep hatred, or scorn.
The defendant’s CONTEMPTUOUS behavior on the stand was, amazingly, overlooked by the judge.
xenophobic (zee-nuh-FOE-bik). Having
an irrational fear or hatred of foreigners
and immigrants.
We are not XENOPHOBIC; we dislike all
strangers, regardless of their backgrounds, unless they are brought to us by
other social contacts.
587/1316
NOUNS
animadversion (an-uh-mad-VERzhun). Very harsh criticism that suggests
disapproval of what is being criticized.
My boss’s frequent ANIMADVERSIONS
have led to high staff turnover.
animus (AN-uh-muss). Prejudiced ill
will.
Don’s ANIMUS toward a former colleague drove him to thoughts of violence
until therapy helped him to diminish his
hatred.
aversion (uh-VUR-zhun). Extreme dislike; loathing.
My AVERSION to soap operas leaves me
with little to discuss at coffee breaks.
588/1316
enmity (EN-mih-tee). Mutual dislike,
animosity, hatred, antagonism, or disagreement between two groups or parties.
Was the ENMITY between Muhammad
Ali and Joe Frasier an act, genuine, or a
combination of both?
misandry (mih-SAN-dree). Hatred of
men.
After twenty years of feeling the effects of
the glass ceiling, she was entitled to
MISANDRY in all its manifestations.
misanthrope (MISS-en-throwp). A person of antisocial nature who dislikes other
589/1316
go on any more dates with him.
misogamy (mih-SOG-uh-mee). Hatred
of marriage.
After his divorce, Brent’s mistrust of marriage bordered on MISOGAMY.
misogyny (mih-SOJ-uh-nee). Hatred of
women.
A lifetime of rejection had filled him with
a rabid MISOGYNY.
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bitterness, and an escalation of the dispute over time.
RANCOR between antagonistic neighbors.”—Harlan Ellison, American author
repugnance (rih-PUG-nunce). To show
strong aversion, dislike, or disgust for
something.
We can greet the news of the terrorist
bombing only with REPUGNANCE.
vitriol (VIT-ree-ohl). An attitude of bitterness, hatred, or mean-spiritedness.
The school board reprimanded the coach
with VITRIOL.
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VERBS
abhor (ab-HOR). To experience a feeling
of great repugnance or disgust.
It was clear almost as soon as the dinner
party had begun that Jennifer
ABHORRED her half-sister.
execrate (EK-sih-krayt). To loathe; to
subject to scorn and derision.
We EXECRATED William for weeks due
to his casual rejection of an invitation to
join Yale’s Skull and Bones.
ANTONYMS
adulate (AJ-uh-layt). To show excessive
praise or admiration; flatter or admire
servilely.
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“I have been very happy, very rich, very
beautiful, much ADULATED, very famous and very unhappy.”—Brigitte Bardot,
French actress
esteem (ih-STEEM). To value highly;
have great respect and regard for; prize.
“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too
cheap, we ESTEEM too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its
value.”—Thomas Paine, English-American writer and political pamphleteer
97. Haughty
(HAW-tee), adjective
Snobbish and arrogant.
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ADJECTIVES
austere (aw-STEER). Stern; grim and
lacking humor or warmth; clean and
unornamented; severe or strict in manner.
In the movie Dead Poets Society, Robin
Williams clashes with an AUSTERE
headmaster at a private boys’ school.
de rigueur (duh-rih-GUR). Conforming
to current standards of behavior, fashion,
style, and etiquette.
A two-carat diamond engagement ring
that cost a young man a year’s salary
was DE RIGUEUR for proposing to a girl
in the 1950s.
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bragging.
NOUNS
affectation (ah-fek-TAY-shun). Behaviors or mannerisms that are exaggerated,
extreme, eccentric, and deliberately
showy, often an effort to attract attention.
“AFFECTATION is awkward and forces
imitation of what should be genuine and
easy.”—John Locke, British philosopher
595/1316
doyen/doyenne (doy-EN). A man or
woman who is the senior member of a
group, based on rank, age, experience, etc.
Though she is the youngest member of
our group, Brittany is our DOYENNE,
based on her extensive family
connections.
haute couture (OAT ko-TOOR). Highly
fashionable clothing on the cutting edge of
the latest design fads and trends.
“HAUTE COUTURE should be fun, foolish, and almost unwearable.”—Christian
Lacroix, French fashion designer
haut monde (oh MOND). High society.
“The literary wiseacres prognosticate in
many languages, as they have
throughout so many centuries, setting the
596/1316
stage for new HAUT MONDE in letters
and making up the public’s mind.”—Fannie Hurst, American novelist
ANTONYMS
déclassé (day-kluh-SAY). Of a fallen
social position or inferior status.
Jean thought her imitation designer bag
looked exactly like the real thing, but the
other girls in her exclusive private school
quickly ridiculed Jean—and her bag—for
being DÉCLASSÉ.
egalitarian (ih-gal-uh-TAIR-ee-uhn).
Fair and balanced in the extreme; of the
belief that all people are created equal and
should be treated so.
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“Chinks in America’s EGALITARIAN
armor are not hard to find. Democracy is
the fig leaf of elitism.”—Florence King,
American author
gauche (GOHSH). Sorely lacking in the
social graces and good manners; crude
behavior.
Rhett was under the impression that one
needed only money to join the country
club. However, his GAUCHE demeanor
caused him to be denied membership.
hoi polloi (HOY puh-LOY). A pejorative
term used to describe the masses or the
common people.
“My practice is to ignore the pathetic
wishes and desires of the HOI POLLOI,”
the governor said haughtily.
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98. Help
(HELP), verb
To give assistance and make it possible or
easier to accomplish a task; to aid.
NOUNS
aegis (EE-jis). The protection, support,
and help rendered by a guardian, supporter, backer, or mentor.
Jill thinks she’s above reproach because
she’s under the AEGIS of that marketing
vice-president with a penchant for
younger women.
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VERBS
abet (uh-BET). To encourage or assist a
plan or activity, usually a misdeed.
Though Michael did not participate in the
actual kidnapping, he ABETTED the perpetrators by hiding them from the police.
preside over or listen to opposing arguments and help two parties settle their differences and come to an agreement.
while screaming at top volume, I tried
quarrel.
600/1316
assuage (uh-SWAYJ). To put someone at
ease; to comfort or soothe; to erase doubts
and fears.
“But history must not yet tell the tragedies enacted here; let time intervene in
some measure to ASSUAGE and lend an
azure tint to them.”—Henry David Thoreau, American author and
transcendentalist
exhort (ig-ZORT). To urge or advise
earnestly.
“The function of the moralist is not to
EXHORT men to be good but to elucidate
what the good is.”—Walter Lippmann,
American journalist
minister (MIN-us-stur). To give help; fill
wants; to serve as a nurse.
601/1316
It was touching to watch Calvin
MINISTER to his wife during her
recovery.
mitigate (MITT-ih-gayt). To make or
become milder, less severe, or less painful.
The medication should MITIGATE John’s
symptoms within twenty-four hours.
ANTONYMS
sabotage (SAB-uh-tawzh). Intentional
obstruction of or damage to some process
or activity; the undermining of a cause.
“Self-SABOTAGE is when we way we
want something and then go about making sure it doesn’t happen.”—Alyce P.
Cornyn-Selby, American manager and
author
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thwart (THWART). To hinder, obstruct,
frustrate, or defeat a person, plans, etc.
“Instinct must be THWARTED just as one
prunes the branches of a tree so that it
will grow better.”—Henri Matisse, French
painter
99. Hide
(HYD), verb
To place or keep out of sight; conceal;
secrete; to keep from the knowledge of
others; keep secret.
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ADJECTIVES
covert (KUV-ert). Concealed; disguised;
secret.
Try as we might, we never managed to
get our uncle to discuss his experiences
conducting COVERT ops at the CIA.
ulterior (ul-TEER-ee-er). Beyond what is
being shown, as motives.
“When one has extensively pondered
about men, as a career or as a vocation,
one sometimes feels nostalgic for primates. At least they do not have ULTERIOR
motives.”—Albert Camus, Algerian-born
French author and philosopher
604/1316
NOUNS
occultation (awk-uhl-TAY-shin). The act
of hiding or blocking from view.
With disguises offering a bit of needed
OCCULTATION, we were able to hit
Manhattan’s hot spots away from the
glare of the dreaded paparazzi.
VERBS
camouflage (KAM-uh-flazh). To hide or
make something less visible by changing
its appearance.
Dave became one of the company’s best
salesmen because he was able to
CAMOUFLAGE his real feelings.
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dissimulate (dih-SIM-yuh-layt). To hide
one’s feelings from another, often by using
untruths.
Feeling extremely guilty about his affair,
Jake would DISSIMULATE behind a wall
of anger whenever Tricia asked him pointed questions.
seclude (sih-KLOOD). To hide or keep
apart; to keep in isolation.
Jared SECLUDED himself in his room in
order to meet the project’s deadline.
ANTONYMS
manifest (MAN-uh-fest). To make clear
or obvious; clear; plain; patent.
“MANIFEST plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few
606/1316
desires.”—Lao-tzu, Chinese Taoist
philosopher
overt (oh-VURT). Open, public, and
observable.
Americans must insist that local, state,
and federal government operations
remain OVERT.
100. Hoary
(HOAR-ee), adjective
Impressively old; ancient.
ADJECTIVES
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Wallace can be rather HIDEBOUND
when pontificating on the virtues of
classic Mercedes-Benz models versus the
condition of the automobile company at
present.
moribund (MOR-ih-bund). Lacking
vigor; soon to be dead or defunct.
Ever since its head chef left for the Food
Network, that gourmet restaurant has
become MORIBUND and is likely to close
soon.
venerable (VEN-err-uh-bull). An individual or institution that is respected and
revered, sometimes because of achievement, intelligence, or character; but just
as often as a result of being around a long
time.
608/1316
“Is the babe young? When I behold it, it
seems more VENERABLE than the oldest
man.”—Henry David Thoreau, American
author and transcendentalist
NOUNS
anachronism (uh-NAK-ruh-niz-em). A
person, place, thing, or idea whose time
has past and that seems to belong to an
earlier age.
His three record players—and the fact
that he doesn’t even know what an MP3
is—make Jim something of an
ANACHRONISM.
xerosis (zih-ROH-sis). The typical
hardening of aging skin and tissue.
609/1316
Ophelia constantly visits European spas
to slow the onset of XEROSIS.
VERBS
ANTONYMS
élan (a-LON). Enthusiasm, energy, flair,
zest.
Elite Travel Magazine.
610/1316
nascent (NAY-sent). Having just been
born or invented and still in the early
stages of growth and development.
It’s always amusing to watch the nouveau riche during the NASCENT period of
their adjustment to luxury.
101. Honor
(ON-ur), noun
Great regard or respect given or received;
glory; fame; renown; strong sense of right
611/1316
and wrong; the application of integrity
and principles.
ADJECTIVES
intrepid, and bold.
emeritus (ih-MAIR-ih-tuss). Retired but
still holding an honorary title corresponding to the position held prior to
retirement.
Watkins has been awarded the position of
Professor EMERITUS.
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honorific (on-uh-RIFF-ik). A tribute or
reward given in an effort to honor
someone as a sign of deep respect.
Lifetime achievement awards aren’t for
any single work, but an HONORIFIC for
long service and a track record of
excellence.
meritorious (mair-uh-TORE-ee-uss).
Worthy of praise, laudable.
Earl’s work at the homeless shelter was
MERITORIOUS, but it left him little time
for his family and friends.
NOUNS
accolade (AK-uh-layd). A mark of
acknowledgment or expression of praise;
that which confers praise or honor.
613/1316
The firm’s president had hung on his
office wall many plaques, citations, and
ACCOLADES.
éclat (a-KLAW). Great public acclaim; or,
great public notoriety.
Although they are the height of Paris
fashion, Martina’s five-inch heels earned
her much ÉCLAT in the society pages.
fealty (FEE-ul-tee). A sense of obligation
or loyalty, usually existing because one
person feels beholden to another.
The only reason that Bryson pledged
FEALTY to David is because David’s
social connections helped Bryson get a
job on Wall Street.
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emulate or praise.
laureate (LORE-ee-it). A person who has
been singled out for a particular high
honor or award.
The group included a remarkable crosssection of accomplished scientists, some
of whom were Nobel LAUREATES.
obeisance (oh-BAY-since). Deferential
respect or homage, or an act or gesture
expressing the same.
615/1316
In an act of OBEISANCE, Rachael
brought the elderly woman up to sit in
her plush opera box, rather than in the
mezzanine.
panegyric (pan-uh-JEER-ik). Formal,
elaborate praise.
After Coach Henry retired, her former
athletes filled the local paper with
PANEGYRICS concerning her character
and accomplishments.
perquisite (PUR-kwih-zit). An incidental
privilege other than payment that accompanies a position of responsibility; an
extra payment beyond what is owed.
Among the president’s PERQUISITES
were two front-row seats to all the
Celtics’ regular-season home games.
616/1316
ANTONYMS
ignoble (ig-NO-bull). Dishonorable in
nature; not deserving respect; characterized by baseness or lowness.
Peter’s IGNOBLE aims were well known
to all in the room.
infidelity (in-fih-DEL-ih-tee). The quality or act of having been untrue or inconsistent with an (often implied) standard;
disloyalty; marital unfaithfulness.
Although Gwen suspected her husband of
INFIDELITY, she had not come across
any tangible proof.
renege (ri-neg). To go back (on one’s
word); to break a promise or
commitment.
617/1316
Dalton was supposed to have been named
vice president in exchange for his support, but Peterson RENEGED on the deal
after assuming control.
I
102. Illness
(IL-niss), noun
An unhealthy condition of the body or
mind; sickness; disease.
NOUNS
autism (AW-tiz-um). A condition characterized by difficulty with or indifference to
social contact and impaired ability to
communicate.
Often subjected to abuse and inhumane
treatment two or three decades ago,
people with AUTISM are now more likely
619/1316
to receive a meaningful therapeutic
regimen.
bulimia (buh-LEE-mee-uh). An eating
disorder in which sufferers alternately
binge, then purge, forcing themselves to
vomit.
The faculty health center featured a nurse
with special training in dealing with
BULIMIA and other eating disorders.
carbuncle (KAR-bunk-uhl). A painful
inflammation of the skin similar to, but
more serious than, a boil.
Jimmy’s inventive excuses for his
absences reached a new level when he
told his teacher he had been unable to
attend Spanish class because of a
CARBUNCLE.
620/1316
eczema (EG-zuh-muh). An inflammatory
skin condition, characterized by red, itching skin that erupts into lesions that later
become scaly, hard, and crusty.
The skin cleanser Noxzema was named
after its supposed ability to “knock
ECZEMA.”
gingivitis (jin-jih-VY-tuss). A gum disease; the condition of having swollen
gums.
The rinse promised lifetime protection
against GINGIVITIS, a claim Fred
viewed with some skepticism.
hemophilia (hee-muh-FEEL-ee-uh). A
blood defect usually affecting males but
transmitted by females in which the blood
621/1316
fails to clot normally, often leading to
uncontrolled hemorrhaging.
Because so many HEMOPHILIA patients
have contracted the AIDS virus from contaminated blood, many will only accept
transfusions using blood that has been
donated by family and friends.
hypertension (hy-pur-TEN-shun). High
blood pressure.
Some over-the-counter cough, cold, and
allergy medicines tend to cause elevated
blood pressure, and include a warning
that they may be hazardous to those suffering from HYPERTENSION.
hyperthermia (hy-pur-THUR-mee-uh).
Extreme increase of body heat.
622/1316
The reading is 105 degrees; we are dealing not with a simple fever, but with
severe HYPERTHERMIA.
hypothermia (hy-po-THER-mee-uh).
Extreme loss of body heat.
After several hours in the freezing water,
the victims had already succumbed to the
effects of HYPOTHERMIA.
influenza (in-floo-EN-zuh). A contagious
respiratory virus characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane, fever,
prostration, aches, and pains.
David was still weak from his bout with
INFLUENZA.
623/1316
kyphosis (ki-FOE-sis). Excessive
curvature of the spine suffered by
hunchbacks.
After William’s father forced him to help
out the family gardener, William complained for weeks afterward that the outdoor work gave him KYPHOSIS.
migraine (MY-grayn). An excruciating
headache, caused by expanding capillaries, that occurs on one (usually the left)
side of the head, and causes the sufferer
nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity
to light.
As a treatment for my MIGRAINES, the
doctor gave me a new prescription, suggesting I take two tablets and lie down in
624/1316
a very dark room whenever I felt one
coming on.
mononucleosis (mawn-oh-noo-kleeOH-siss). An infectious illness caused by
an increase of mononuclear leukocytes in
the blood, and characterized by extremely
swollen glands, a sore throat, and
exhaustion.
Erika’s MONONUCLEOSIS caused her to
miss nearly two months of school.
narcolepsy (NAR-kuh-lep-see). The disorder of suddenly and unpredictably falling asleep.
After learning he suffered from
NARCOLEPSY, Brian realized how dangerous it would be for him to drive, and
625/1316
voluntarily returned his license to the
registry.
osteoporosis (oss-tee-oh-puh-ROE-sis).
A condition of fragile, brittle bones, particularly common in women of advanced
age.
The doctor advised all of his female
patients over fifty to make sure they took
in plenty of calcium as a precaution
against OSTEOPOROSIS.
psoriasis (suh-RY-uh-suss). A chronic
skin disease causing the skin to become
covered with red patches and white scales.
Emmett treated his first bout of
PSORIASIS by applying copious amounts
of moisturizer, but it did no good.
626/1316
schizophrenia (skit-suh-FREE-nee-uh).
A mental condition that can cause sufferers to hallucinate, to be disoriented, and
to withdraw from society.
It is a common misconception that
SCHIZOPHRENIA is the condition of
having multiple personalities.
ANTONYMS
eupepsia (yoo-PEP-see-uh). Good
digestion.
John enjoyed EUPEPSIA and could eat
almost anything, including very spicy
foods, without gastric distress or physical
regret.
627/1316
euphoria (yoo-FOR-ee-uh). A feeling of
well-being; an abnormal feeling of buoyant vigor and health.
“The writer who loses his self-doubt, who
gives way as he grows old to a sudden
EUPHORIA, to prolixity, should stop
writing immediately: the time has come
for him to lay aside his pen.”—Sidonie
Gabrielle Colette, French novelist
103. Imagine
(ih-MAJ-in), verb
To create a mental image of; form an idea
or notion; to think or fancy; conceive in
the mind.
628/1316
ADJECTIVES
apocryphal (uh-POK-rih-fuhl). Of dubious authenticity; having been fabricated
long after the fact.
The story of Shakespeare’s having shared
a mistress with Richard Burbage is
almost certainly APOCRYPHAL.
factitious (fak-TISH-uss). Contrived;
fabricated.
At first, we thought the rumor
FACTITIOUS, but then we learned that
couture-producer Hermes does, in fact,
plan to design and market a helicopter.
pensive (PEN-siv). Thoughtful; having
wistful or dreamy thoughts.
629/1316
My girlfriend was ready for a riotous
night on the town, but I was feeling
PENSIVE, so we ended up going to a cafe
and talking well into the night.
ADVERBS
vicariously (vye-KAIR-ee-uss-lee). To
enjoy imagined feelings and experiences
largely by observing or hearing about
another person’s life and adventures.
Married for over twenty-five years,
Roger often told his single friends that he
lived VICARIOUSLY through them.
630/1316
NOUNS
chimera (kih-MEER-uh). An illusion of
the mind or a dream that can’t possibly be
realized.
Leon’s idea of the perfect woman is a
CHIMERA that keeps him from realizing
his goal of finding true love.
epiphany (ih-PIF-uh-nee). A sudden,
unexpected insight that seems to come
from nowhere and throws great illumination on a subject previously not well
understood.
One day Marcus had an EPIPHANY and
realized that, to find true happiness, he
should become a philanthropist.
631/1316
phantasmagoria (fan-taz-muh-GOREee-uh). A dreamlike, constantly changing
series of visions.
The avant-garde film had no dialogue or
plot in the traditional sense; it was essentially a PHANTASMAGORIA set to music.
VERBS
envisage (en-VIZ-ij). To envision, imagine, or create a mental picture.
“I don’t ENVISAGE collectivism. There is
no such animal, it is always individualism.”—Gertrude Stein, American author
fabricate (FAB-rih-kayt). To create
something; often used negatively, to suggest that one is lying, or “creating” false
information.
632/1316
Mom shook her head because she could
tell I was just FABRICATING my
explanations.
ANTONYMS
discerning (dih-SURN-ing). Showing
good insight, judgment, and understanding; discriminating.
“Children, who play life, DISCERN its
true law and relations more clearly than
men, who fail to live it worthily, but who
think that they are wiser by experience,
that is, by failure.”—Henry David Thoreau, American essayist, poet, and
philosopher
percipient (pur-SIP-ee-int). Keenly or
readily perceiving; discriminating.
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Arthur was a PERCIPIENT gourmet, so
we always let him choose the restaurant
for a celebratory meal.
104. Impatient
(im-PAY-shunt), adjective
Feeling or showing a lack of patience;
annoyance due to delay or opposition;
restless.
ADJECTIVES
brusque (BRUSK). Short; abrupt or curt
in manner.
634/1316
Her BRUSQUE exterior put Tom off at
first, but he later discussed many important issues with Ann in depth.
bumptious (BUMP-shuss). Overbearing
or crudely assertive; overly pushy or
impertinent.
We had difficulty crossing the border
because Nan got into a squabble with a
BUMPTIOUS border guard.
impetuous (im-PETCH-oo-us). Impulsive; driven by sudden force or emotion.
Dirk’s impetuous remark may well cost
him his job.
importunate (im-PORE-chuh-nit).
Demanding or impatient in issuing
repeated requests.
635/1316
Two-year-olds, though lovable, can be
IMPORTUNATE; Wesley seemed unprepared for this.
irascible (ih-RASS-uh-bull). Easily provoked or annoyed; prone to losing one’s
damn who wasn’t IRASCIBLE.”—Ezra
Pound, American expatriate poet
restive (RESS-tiv). Impatient and stubborn; contrary.
Audrey was so worked up about her first
summer abroad that her excitement came
across as RESTIVE.
636/1316
unceremonious (un-sair-uh-MONE-eeuss). Rude or abrupt; tactlessly hasty;
inappropriate.
June made an UNCEREMONIOUS exit
just as the chairman was beginning his
remarks on the Fentworth project.
ANTONYMS
abide (uh-BYD). To withstand, patiently
wait for, or tolerate.
I could ABIDE my dinner companion’s
bigotry for only so long; by evening’s
end, I had to challenge him.
philosophic (fil-uh-SOFF-ik). Rational;
sensibly composed; calm.
Harry hated to wait, but over time he
saw that his impatience harmed only
637/1316
himself, and when necessary, was
PHILOSOPHIC about periods of forced
inactivity.
105. Improve
(im-PROOV), verb
To make better; to raise to a better quality
or condition; increase the worth of.
ADJECTIVES
didactic (dy-DAK-tik). Designed, made,
or tailored for purposes of education, selfimprovement, or ethical betterment.
“The essential function of art is moral .
But a passionate, implicit morality, not
638/1316
DIDACTIC.”—D.H. Lawrence, British
author
NOUNS
meliorism (MEE-lee-uh-riz-um). A
philosophy of optimism that says the
world is gradually improving through
divine intervention or human effort—or
both.
Thomas Hardy’s philosophy of
MELIORISM showed in his belief in the
ultimate goodness of humankind.
VERBS
639/1316
it really is.
augment (awg-MENT). To make greater
in size, amount, strength, etc.
The contributions collected for the library
addition were AUGMENTED by a large
anonymous donation.
bowdlerize (BODE-ler-ize). To remove
obscenity, violence, and other inappropriate content from a novel, play, or story so
as to make it appropriate for a younger
reader.
640/1316
Hollywood BOWDLERIZED his script, so,
instead of being R-rated, the film was
rated PG-13.
elevate (EL-ih-vayt). To raise up, make
higher; to raise to a higher intellectual or
moral level; to raise the spirits; lift.
Only a visit from her favorite nephew
could ELEVATE Ann’s spirits and calm
her feelings of depression and loss.
gentrify (JENN-truh-fy). To take
something rundown, such as a neighborhood, and improve it.
Attempts to GENTRIFY the historic
neighborhood failed because of community apathy.
641/1316
ANTONYMS
deteriorate (dih-TEER-ee-uh-rayt). To
make or become worse; lower in quality or
value; depreciate.
“Writing, at its best, is a lonely life.
Organizations for writers palliate the
writer’s loneliness, but I doubt if they
improve his writing. He grows in public
stature as he sheds his loneliness and
often his work DETERIORATES.—Ernest
Hemingway, American novelist
exacerbate (ig-ZASS-er-bayt). To take
action that makes a situation worse or
aggravates it further.
642/1316
The problem with the mission was further
EXACERBATED when the outer tiles
ripped away from the space shuttle.
106. Indicate
(IN-dih-kayt), verb
To show; point out, or direct attention to;
to give a sign of; signify.
NOUNS
bellwether (BELL-weh-thur). A leading
indicator or important factor in predicting
a trend or outcome.
The fact that Robert got thrown out of
Groton and Exeter was a BELLWETHER
for his lackadaisical years at Dartmouth.
643/1316
indicant (IN-di-kuhnt). Something that
indicates or points out.
The loss of electricity was the first
INDICANT that the presentation would
not be successful.
premonition (pree-muh-NISH-un). A
feeling of anticipation; a forewarning.
Bob had daily PREMONITIONS of disaster, but they were all unfounded.
VERBS
augur (AW-gur). To foretell future
events, as though by supernatural knowledge or power; to divine; to indicate a
future trend or happening.
644/1316
The chairman’s sour mood this morning
does not AUGUR well for that budget
proposal we made.
denote (de-NOTE). To indicate or make
clear; to serve as sign or symbol for
something else.
Her chills and discoloration, Dr. Smith
observed, DENOTED severe
hypothermia.
evince (ee-VINCE). To reveal or indicate
the presence of a particular feeling or
condition.
The blocky lines of Van Gogh’s paintings
EVINCE a feeling of depression and
madness.
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presage (PRESS-ij). To foretell or
indicate.
Such provocation may PRESAGE armed
conflict in the region.
ANTONYMS
ensconce (en-SKONTS). To hide
something in a secure place.
Paul hoped that once the statue was
ENSCONCED on board ship, they would
have no trouble with customs officers.
veil (VAYL). To cover or conceal; to hide
the actual nature of something; mask;
disguise.
“A poet dares be just so clear and no
clearer. . . . He unzips the VEIL from
beauty, but does not remove it. A poet
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utterly clear is a trifle glaring.”—E.B.
White, American writer
107. Ineffable
(in-EF-uh-bull), adjective
Something so fantastic, incredible, or difficult to grasp that it cannot be described
in words.
ADJECTIVES
auspicious (aw-SPISH-us). A good
beginning giving rise to the belief that the
venture, journey, or activity will end in
success.
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The blind date did not have an
AUSPICIOUS start because Max kept
calling his friend’s cousin “Mallory”
instead of “Mary.”
efflorescent (ef-luh-RES-uhnt). At the
final stage of development; at the peak of
perfection.
Thomas is convinced that the Bugati
empyreal (em-PEER-ee-uhl). Elevated
and sublime; or, of the sky.
The beautiful three-carat sapphire her
fiancé gave her shone with an
EMPYREAL, almost celestial, light.
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ethereal (eh-THEER-ee-uhl). Light and
airy; possessing a heavenly or celestial
quality.
“ETHEREAL, their mauve / almost a
transparent gray, / their dark veins
bruise-blue.”—Denise Levertov, Britishborn American poet
impalpable (im-PAL-puh-bull). Difficult
to understand easily; or, intangible.
“The soul is so IMPALPABLE, so often
useless, and sometimes such a nuisance,
that I felt no more emotion on losing it
than if, on a stroll, I had mislaid my visiting card.”—Charles Baudelaire, French
poet, critic, and translator
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outré (oo-TRAY). Radically unconventional; outside the limits of expected conduct or behavior.
“One of life’s intriguing paradoxes is that
hierarchical social order makes cheap
rents and OUTRÉ artists’ colonies possible.”—Florence King, American author
surreal (suh-REEL). Possessing a quality
that makes something seem unreal;
strange; bizarre; almost other worldly.
“He seemed to toss them all into the
mixed salads of his poetry with the same
indifference to form and logic, the same
domesticated SURREALISM, that characterized much of the American avantgarde of the period.”—Frank O’Hara,
American poet
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NOUNS
chimera (kih-MEER-uh). An object,
place, event, or combination of things so
strange, odd, and improbable that it logically should not exist in the real
world—and yet, it does.
“What a CHIMERA then is humankind.
What a novelty! What a monster, what a
chaos!”—Blaise Pascal, French
philosopher
eidolon (eye-DOH-luhn). A phantom or
apparition; or, the image of an ideal.
“By a route obscure and lonely, /
Haunted by ill angels only, / Where an
EIDOLON, named Night, / On a black
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throne reigns upright.”—Edgar Allan
Poe, American author and poet
metaphysics (met-uh-FIZ-iks). The
study of arguments, thoughts, and principles based primarily on thinking and
abstract reasoning rather than hard facts
that can be demonstrated through physical evidence.
“During my METAPHYSICS final, I
cheated by looking into the soul of the
person sitting next to me.”—Woody Allen,
American film director, writer, and
comedian
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VERBS
postulate (POSS-chuh-layt). To arrive at
a theory, belief, hypothesis, or principle
based upon an analysis of known facts.
Darwin POSTULATED his theory of evolution by natural selection many years
before publishing The Origin of Species in
1859.
zen (ZEHN). Generally speaking, to figure
out the answer to a difficult problem with
a flash of sudden insight.
After days of indecision regarding which
gala to attend on a particular night,
Danielle managed to ZEN the answer and
make her choice.
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ANTONYMS
orthodox (OR-thuh-dox). Mainstream;
sacred.
SACRILEGIOUS.
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108. Inevitable
(in-EV-uh-tuh-bull), adjective
Unavoidable; sure to occur; certain;
necessary.
ADJECTIVES
assured (ah-SHOORD). Certain; guaranteed; with great confidence.
“Just as I know the sun will rise tomorrow,” my lawyer told me, “you can be
ASSURED that you’ll be acquitted.”
ineluctable (in-eh-LUCK-tuh-bull).
Unavoidable, inevitable, with a sense of
being unfortunate, sad, or even tragic.
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Our inability to procure Pratesi linens for
our Colorado ski lodge created an
INELUCTABLE sadness among the members of our family.
inescapable (in-eh-SKAY-puh-bull).
Incapable of being avoided, ignored, or
escaped.
“We are caught in an INESCAPABLE network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”—Martin Luther King,
Jr., American minister and civil-rights
leader
inexorable (in-EK-sur-uh-bull). Unstoppable; relentless; persistent.
“I know enough to know that most of the
visible signs of aging are the result of the
INEXORABLE victory of gravity over
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tissue.”—Isaac Asimov, Russian-born
American author and biochemist
irrevocable (ih-REV-uh-kuh-bull). Not
to be recalled or revoked; unalterable.
“Education is our greatest opportunity to
give an IRREVOCABLE gift to the next
generation.”—Ernie Fletcher, governor of
Kentucky and U.S. representative
obligatory (uh-BLIG-uh-tor-ee). Having
the nature of an obligation; binding;
required; mandatory.
By making taxes OBLIGATORY, we’ve
made them inevitable.
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VERBS
ordain (or-DAYN). To decree; order;
predetermine.
John felt that fate had ORDAINED that
he would encounter his minister at the
worst possible time.
ANTONYMS
adventitious (add-vin-TISH-us). Arising
or occurring sporadically or in unusual
locations; accidental.
Every time I plant a garden,
ADVENTITIOUS wildflowers pop up to
ruin my design.
aleatory (A-lee-uh-tore-ee). Unplanned,
spontaneous, on the spur of the moment
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rather than deliberately thought out and
carefully considered; dependent on luck,
randomness, or chance.
Most sporting events have rules that
attempt to eliminate or at least diminish
ALEATORY factors so the skill of the participants becomes the primary influence
on the outcome.
109. Insane
(in-SANE), adjective
Not sane; mentally ill or deranged; completely senseless.
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ADJECTIVES
frenetic (fruh-NET-ik). Wild; frenzied;
excessively excited.
Wilbur’s FRENETIC behavior has resulted in hospitalization on more than one
occasion.
ludicrous (LOO-dih-kruss). Absurd to
the point of being laughable; obviously
implausible or impractical.
Your proposal that I accept a 75 percent
pay cut is LUDICROUS, Mr. Robinson.
maniacal (muh-NYE-uh-kull). Overly
emphatic; frenzied; having a fanatical
devotion to a certain pursuit.
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Chuck’s obsession with baseball statistics
bordered on the MANIACAL.
non compos mentis (non KAHM-puhs
MEN-tiss). Not in one’s right mind.
When Bryce suggested he was considering the ministry rather than joining the
family bond business, we were certain he
was NON COMPOS MENTIS.
pathological (path-uh-LOJ-ih-kuhl).
Involving or caused by disease; evidencing
or caused by an abnormal or extreme
condition.
Diane’s PATHOLOGICAL need for attention has caused her, on more than one
occasion, to plant lies about herself in the
society pages.
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quixotic (kwik-SOT-ik). Absurdly
romantic; impractical; impulsive and
rash; in the manner of Cervantes’s character Don Quixote.
We all loved Arthur dearly but could not
support his continual QUIXOTIC quests
to save the environment.
unhinged (uhn-HINJD). Confused; disordered; distraught; unbalanced.
Rose became UNHINGED at the news of
the death of her college roommate.
NOUNS
dementia (dih-MEN-shuh). A mental illness characterized by loss of reason.
Owing to the deceased’s DEMENTIA at
the time the will was signed, there was
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considerable legal wrangling over the
estate.
imbecility (im-buh-SILL-ih-tee). Foolishness; simplemindedness.
Although he disdained the IMBECILITY
of mainstream television, Arnie was not
above an occasional viewing of Keeping
Up with the Kardashians.
megalomania (meg-uh-lo-MAY-neeuh). A psychopathological condition in
which a person is obsessed with fantasies
of riches, grandeur, or authority; people
whose ambitions and sense of self-importance are overblown.
Some have interpreted the tycoon’s purchase of the old castle as an
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uncharacteristically bad real estate deal;
I see it as pure MEGALOMANIA.
quirk (KWIRK). A peculiarity of one’s
personality or manner.
One of the most omnipresent QUIRKS of
the nouveau riche is that they still ask the
price of a luxury item, rather than simply
offering to purchase it.
sociopath (SO-see-uh-path). A person
who, because of mental illness, lacks
restraint or moral responsibility toward
fellow members of society.
Although motion pictures and popular
fiction have shown an unending fascination with serial killers, the fact is that
such SOCIOPATHS are quite rare.
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ANTONYMS
lucid (LOO-sid). Possessed of a clear
mental state; having full use of one’s faculties; intelligible.
Although he lost consciousness for a few
minutes, Glenn was LUCID before the
ambulance arrived.
rational (RASH-uh-nul). Having the
ability to reason logically without
emotion.
“Man is a RATIONAL animal who always
loses his temper when he is called upon to
act in accordance with the dictates of
reason.”—Oscar Wilde, Irish poet, novelist, and dramatist
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110. Insensitive
(in-SEN-sih-tiv), adjective
Lacking in human sensibility; not capable
of being impressed or influenced.
ADJECTIVES
aloof (uh-LOOF). Indifferent or uninterested; unsociable.
Chuck’s ALOOF attitude at our dinner
party made us wonder if our usually talkative friend was trying to tell us
something.
blithe (blythe). Cheerful or merry in disposition; carefree or indifferent;
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unconcerned with petty cares or
problems.
Rod dismissed the accountant’s objections
with a BLITHE wave of his hand.
callous (KAL-uss). Unfeeling; insensitive; hardened.
The chauffeur couldn’t understand how
Mr. Jensen could be so CALLOUS as to
ride by the crowd of homeless people
every day without taking the least notice
of them.
pachydermatous (pak-uh-DER-mahtus). Having a thick skin; not sensitive to
criticism, ridicule, etc.
As a used car salesman, Ed had
developed a PACHYDERMATOUS outlook on life.
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reflexive (reh-FLEK-siv). Happening
through reflex or habit rather than considered action.
We don’t mean to act imperiously toward
the nouveau riche; it’s just a REFLEXIVE
and conditioned response.
stoic (STOH-ik). Able to endure pain or
suffering without complaining.
“He soldiered through his duties with
what looked like cheerful
STOICISM.”—Thomas Pynchon, American author
stolid (STALL-id). Unemotional and
impassive.
Thomas’s STOLID demeanor hides the
heart of a jet-setting playboy.
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ANTONYMS
impressionable (im-PRESH-uh-nuhbull). Easily affected by impressions; capable of being influenced; sensitive.
Brian was a good friend and quite bright,
but he was as IMPRESSIONABLE as the
average twelve-year-old child.
susceptible (suh-SEP-tuh-bull). Easily
affected emotionally; having a sensitive
nature or feelings; responsive.
“History has informed us that bodies of
men as well as individuals are
SUSCEPTIBLE of the spirit of
tyranny.”—Thomas Jefferson, American
president
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111. Insular
(IN-suh-ler), adjective
Self-contained and therefore isolated from
the world and unaffected by outside influences, usually to one’s detriment.
ADJECTIVES
geopolitical (jee-oh-poh-LIH-tih-kull).
Anything having to do with the politics
affecting the relationships of two or more
countries, especially when influenced by
geographical factors.
GEOPOLITICAL instability in the Middle
East is fueling rising crude oil prices.
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hermetic (her-MET-ik). Isolated, or
unaffected by outside influences.
“Reality, whether approached imaginatively or empirically, remains a surface,
HERMETIC.”—Samuel Beckett, Irish
writer, dramatist, and poet
NOUNS
cabotage (KAB-uh-tazh). The right of a
country to control all air traffic flying in its
skies.
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After 9/11, CABOTAGE became a major
concern of New York City and its mayor.
isolationism (eye-suh-LAY-shin-iz-um).
A foreign policy in which a country deliberately keeps its relationships and interactions with other nations to a bare
minimum, effectively isolating itself from
world affairs.
In the early twentieth century, American
ISOLATIONISM stopped the U.S. from
joining the League of Nations.
jingoism (JIN-go-iz-um). Extreme
nationalism, backed up by the explicit or
implied threat of military force; more
broadly, extreme enthusiasm and support
for an idea or position without being open
to contrary arguments or notions.
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We cannot countenance JINGOISM, especially since it has such a negative impact
on overseas markets.
separatists (SEP-rah-tists). Those who
believe a particular region or group should
be separated from a larger whole.
Some Canadian SEPARATISTS want
Québec to be a separate nation from the
rest of Canada.
solipsism (SOLL-ip-sihz-um). The
notion that one’s own experiences and
thoughts are the only source of true
knowledge.
The SOLIPSISM of some members of the
leisure class is distasteful to those of us
who, for example, know what our servants need even better than they do.
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ANTONYMS
The process of adapting to a different
culture.
Just because sushi makes me queasy, that
doesn’t mean I’m opposed to
ACCULTURATION.
éclat (a-KLAW). Great public acclaim; or,
great public notoriety.
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Although they are the height of Paris
fashion, Martina’s five-inch heels earned
her much ÉCLAT in the society pages.
globalization (glow-bull-ih-ZAY-shun).
The movement toward a true world economy with open and free trading across
national borders.
“Proponents of GLOBALIZATION insist
that, as trade and investment move
across borders, economic efficiencies
raise the standards of living on both sides
of the exchange.”—Arthur Goldwag,
American author
populism (POP-yuh-liz-um). A political
movement or policy that appeals to the
masses—the average working man or
woman—not the upper class.
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“Being naked approaches being revolutionary; going barefoot is mere
POPULISM.”—John Updike, American
novelist and literary critic
urbane (ur-BANE). Suave, sophisticated,
refined, cosmopolitan, and well versed in
the ways of high society.
Even in his knock-around tennis whites,
Brett always manages to appear
URBANE.
112. Insult
(in-SULT), verb
To attack the feelings of another; to treat
with scorn and indignity.
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ADJECTIVES
derogatory (dih-ROG-uh-tor-ee). Tending to lessen or impair someone or
something; disparaging and negative.
Butch’s DEROGATORY remarks about
my girlfriend were meant to goad me
into a fight, but I was determined to keep
my cool.
insolent (IN-suh-luhnt). Rude and
arrogant; insulting and contemptuous.
Her INSOLENT retorts to Joan’s wellintentioned queries stunned the dinner
party.
pejorative (pih-JOR-uh-tiv). Insulting;
meant as a put-down or to belittle.
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“Wordsmith” is a corporate term used to
denote someone who is a good writer, but
professional writers see it as
PEJORATIVE.
NOUNS
defamation (def-uh-MAY-shun). False,
baseless attack on a person’s or group’s
reputation.
After the last of the magazine’s articles on
her, Virginia decided she had put up with
enough DEFAMATION and decided to
sue.
umbrage (UM-brij). To take exception to
and be offended by a comment or action
seen as a slight or insult.
678/1316
“I take UMBRAGE with people who post
comments on my blog that are patently
false,” Bob said.
VERBS
denigrate (DEN-ih-grayt). Insult; put
down; demean; belittle.
“Everything we shut our eyes to,
everything we run away from,
everything we deny, DENIGRATE or despise, serves to defeat us in the
end.”—Henry Miller, American author
and painter
malign (muh-LINE). To defame; to
besmirch (the reputation of).
The much-MALIGNED team owner’s
decision to trade his star quarterback
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turned out to be one of the best moves he
ever made.
traduce (truh-DOOCE). To speak maliciously of; slander.
We have snubbed Katrina permanently
because she has, at one time or another,
TRADUCED each one of us in the society
pages.
vilify (VILL-ih-fy). To defame; to slander.
My opponent’s ceaseless attempts to
VILIFY me during this campaign reached
a new low when she accused me of being
a neo-Nazi.
680/1316
ANTONYMS
felicitate (fih-LISS-ih-tayt). To compliment; to congratulate; wish happiness to.
“Remind me,” said Robin’s mother, “to
FELICITATE your sister on having
received an ‘A’ in biology.”
plaudit (PLAW-dit). An expression of
gratitude or praise; applause.
“Not in the shouts and PLAUDITS of the
throng, but in ourselves, are triumph and
defeat.”—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,
American poet
113. Introduce
(in-truh-DOOCE), verb
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To put into place; insert.
VERBS
infuse (in-FYOOZ). To introduce; cause
to penetrate; instill.
The dynamic commissioner INFUSED a
new sense of pride into the beleaguered
department.
insinuate (in-SIN-yu-ayt). To introduce
slowly, indirectly, but skillfully.
I had great confidence that we were
headed in the right direction until the
guide’s comments INSINUATED doubts
in my mind.
intercalate (in-TUR-kuh-layt). To interpose between or among existing elements;
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to insert one or more days into the
calendar.
The book’s design was improved by
INTERCALATING quotations and aphorisms between sections of straight text.
interject (in-ter-JEKT). To insert in
between; interpose.
My mother always tried to INTERJECT
herself when my brother and I were
fighting.
interpolate (in-TER-puh-layt). To introduce something—often something unnecessary or incorrect—between other things
or parts.
Dexter could not help but continuously
INTERPOLATE critical remarks into the
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descriptions of the latest Parisian
designs.
interpose (in-ter-POZE). To aggressively
insert unsolicited opinion, assistance, or
presence into a situation.
“I hope I am not INTERPOSING,” Eileen
said as she walked in on our meeting—which of course, she was.
intersperse (in-ter-SPURSE). To scatter
here and there; to distribute or place at
intervals.
INTERSPERSED throughout the studio
audience were “clappers” whose sole purpose was to motivate the rest of the
crowd into laughing and applauding for
the show.
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intromit (in-truh-MIT). To admit; to
cause to enter; put in.
“I never tire of INTROMITTING a hardboiled egg into a milk bottle, shell and
all.”—Raymond Sokolov
obtrude (ub-TROOD). To impose oneself
or one’s ideas on others.
Paul saw no problem OBTRUDING his
opinions on complete strangers.
ANTONYMS
rescind (re-SIND). Take away, revoke,
cancel, withdraw, remove.
The town RESCINDED all their restrictions on water use after we received two
weeks of heavy rain.
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revoke (rih-VOKE). To take back or withdraw; reverse; rescind.
“Knowledge is that possession that no
misfortune can destroy, no authority can
revoke, and no enemy can control. This
makes knowledge the greatest of all
freedoms.”—Bryant H. McGill, American
editor and author
114. Isolated
(EYE-suh-lay-ted), adjective
Separated from other persons.
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ADJECTIVES
cloistered (KLOI-sturd). Secluded; isolated; removed or hidden.
Shocked by the news of the shooting on
our street, we remained CLOISTERED in
our house for days afterward.
insular (IN-suh-ler). Self-contained and
therefore isolated from the world and
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unaffected by outside influences, usually
to one’s detriment.
The Pricewaters moved from the family’s
traditional home to a more INSULAR
compound farther up the coast.
Swiss painter
NOUNS
segregation (seg-ruh-GAY-shun). The
separation of people by class, race, or ethnicity, either enforced or voluntarily,
688/1316
geographically or by the restriction of
access to facilities or services.
As the judge seemed doomed to have to
point out for the rest of his life, his order
affected only those school districts whose
officials deliberately practiced
SEGREGATION in violation of law—not
SEGREGATION that was purely the result of existing demographic patterns.
solitude (SAWL-ih-tood). The state of
seclusion.
Although Peter maintained that he
thought better in SOLITUDE, we considered him antisocial.
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VERBS
quarantine (KWOR-un-teen). To set
apart; to isolate from others in order to
prevent the spread of disease.
An elementary knowledge of public
health procedures would have led you to
QUARANTINE this area immediately,
Dr. Miller.
ANTONYMS
commingle (kuh-MING-guhl). To mix
together; combine.
“All human beings are COMMINGLED
out of good and evil.”—Robert Louis
Stevenson, Scottish essayist, poet, and
author
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integrate (IN-tih-grayt). To bring
together or combine parts into a whole; to
unite or combine.
“If we make room for everybody, there
will be more room for everybody. An
INTEGRATED America, where each and
every American is treated with the same
dignity and respect, is a better America
for everyone.”—General Wesley Clark,
American general
J
115. Jaunt
(JAWNT), noun
A short journey taken for pleasure.
ADJECTIVES
gamesome (GAYM-suhm). Playful and
frolicsome.
“[Nature] is GAMESOME and good, / But
of mutable mood,— / No dreary repeater
now and again, / She will be all things to
all men.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet, essayist, and transcendentalist
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peripatetic (per-ih-pa-TET-ik). Wandering from career to career, job to job, company to company, or place to place,
seemingly without a clear goal or definiteness of purpose.
While waiting to receive his trust fund at
age thirty, Giles lived a PERIPATETIC
lifestyle.
wayfaring (WAY-fair-ing). Traveling on
foot.
We spent many WAYFARING weekends
during our month-long jaunt in France
last year.
NOUNS
disport (dih-SPORT). A diversion or
amusement.
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Felicia has turned the act of arguing with
the proprietors of her favorite boutiques
into a DISPORT.
pied-à-terre (pyay-duh-TARE). A
second home or apartment, usually small,
used as a place to stay for short trips to
the location in lieu of renting a hotel
room.
We were amazed that Alison and her
family could survive in a PIED-À-TERRE
containing just 2,500 square feet.
wanderlust (WAWN-der-lust). A strong
and innate desire to travel far from home.
“In our WANDERLUST, we are lovers
looking for consummation.”—Anatole
Broyard, literary critic for the New York
Times
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VERBS
gallivant (GAL-ih-vant). To wander
widely; to constantly travel to many different places, without an itinerary or plan; to
freely go wherever and whenever the
mood strikes you, and doing so frequently.
Some accuse us of GALLIVANTING
around the world, but cultural knowledge
is de rigueur for cocktail conversation.
humiliations GAMBOL on sunny afternoons.”—W. H. Auden, Anglo-American
poet
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meander (me-AN-duhr). To wander
aimlessly.
We fired that particular servant because
he MEANDERED far too slowly from
task to task.
wend (WEND). To go; to proceed.
“As they WEND away / A voice is heard
singing / Of Kitty, or Katy, / As if the
name meant once / All love, all
beauty.”—Philip Larkin, British poet,
novelist, and jazz critic
ANTONYMS
laggard (LAG-urd). A person who loiters;
one who is sluggish and reacts slowly.
“Reviewers… must normally function as
huff-and-puff artists blowing LAGGARD
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theatergoers stageward.”—Walter Kerr,
American theater critic
116. Jinn
(JIN), noun
A mythical creature created from fire long
before man inhabited the Earth.
ADJECTIVES
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Brobdingnagian (brahb-ding-NAGian). Of enormous size; huge.
Andre the Giant was a man of
BROBDINGNAGIAN proportions,
standing seven-foot-five-inches and
weighing over five hundred pounds.
resplendent (reh-SPLEN-dent). Garbed
or decorated in lush fabrics and rich,
vibrant colors.
beaded silk gown.
transcendent (tran-SEN-dent). Going
beyond normal everyday experience;
existing beyond the known physical universe and its limitations.
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“Genius… means the TRANSCENDENT
capacity of taking trouble.”—Thomas
Carlyle, Scottish satirist and historian
NOUNS
allegory (AL-eh-gor-ee). A story told to
communicate a hidden meaning or deeper
theme.
Many of the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales
are clear ALLEGORIES of the consequences of children’s rotten behavior.
juggernaut (JUG-er-nawt). A large,
overpowering, destructive force.
Once he begins arguing about the superiority of Maseratis, Jefferson becomes a
JUGGERNAUT, capable of deflating anyone else’s arguments.
699/1316
legerdemain (le-juhr-duh-MAYN).
Magic tricks; or, generally speaking, trickery and deception.
LEGERDEMAIN.
leviathan (le-VY-uh-thun). A gigantic
creature, structure, or thing, awe-inspiring in its sheer size.
“Wilson looked out through the window
at the LEVIATHAN glitter of the terminal.”—Richard Matheson, American
science fiction writer
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ANTONYMS
Lilliputian (lil-uh-PEW-shen). Small in
stature; tiny in comparison to one’s peers.
Jules Vern’s LILLIPUTIAN appearance
made people treat him like a child.
minimalism (MIN-ih-mull-iz-um). A
school of art in which “less is
more”—clean and uncluttered paintings;
sculpture with simple lines; fiction written
in a lean and spare style; and music with
uncomplicated scores and minimal
instruments.
John Cage’s MINIMALIST composition
433 consists of four and a half minutes of
silence.
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117. Judgment
(JUHJ-muhnt), noun
A formed opinion; a decision made by
objective deliberation; the capacity to
judge.
ADJECTIVES
sagacious (suh-GAY-shuss). Perceptive;
showing sound judgment.
Brian is the perfect candidate for chairman of the board; experienced, patient,
and SAGACIOUS enough to help us
counter the threat from our competitor.
702/1316
NOUNS
acumen (uh-CUE-men). Keenness of
judgment; the ability to make quick,
accurate decisions and evaluations; characterized by rapid discernment and
insight.
After only two years as a restaurant
owner, Clyde developed a remarkable
business ACUMEN; in a “bad location,”
he attracted many customers.
inference (IN-fer-ence). The process of
reaching a logical conclusion by examining and analyzing the evidence.
Watson solved cases through
INFERENCE, while Sherlock Holmes was
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seemingly gifted with flashes of brilliant
insight.
noesis (no-EE-sis). The functioning of
the intellect; the exercise of reason.
Researchers in the field of artificial intelligence dedicate much of their time to the
study of human NOESIS.
osmosis (oz-MOW-siss). A subtle and
effortless assimilation of ideas or
influences.
Just hanging out with Bob, who was an A
student, seemed to help Vincent improve
his grades, as if he were learning what
Bob knew through OSMOSIS.
rumination (roo-muh-NAY-shun). The
act of thinking about something in great
704/1316
detail, weighing the pros and cons over
and over in your mind.
For busy people under stress,
RUMINATION after going to bed is a frequent contributor to insomnia.
VERBS
glean (GLEEN). To discover or learn
slowly and deliberately.
Jacob GLEANED from the drop in Ferrari sales that a looming recession even
had some of his social contacts feeling
nervous.
ANTONYMS
impolitic (im-PAWL-uh-tik). Not
prudent; injudicious; unwise.
705/1316
After a few drinks, Uncle Roland has an
unfortunate habit of making IMPOLITIC
remarks about my father’s failed business
ventures.
indiscreet (in-dih-SKREET). Lacking
good judgment and prudence; apt to talk
about things that others would like left
private.
Don’t get alcohol near Melanie. It makes
her go from prudent to INDISCREET in
less than sixty seconds!
indiscriminate (in-dih-SKRIM-uh-net).
Lacking clear judgment and careful distinction; haphazard; random.
The INDISCRIMINATE shelving of books
made it almost impossible to do any successful browsing in the bookshop.
706/1316
myopic (my-OP-ik). Narrow-mindedness
or short-sightedness in one’s views; lack
of discernment.
Your MYOPIC views will win you few
votes during the election, Senator.
promiscuous (prom-ih-SKYOO-uhs).
Not restricted by type; indiscriminate;
casual; irregular.
The comparatively tolerant attitude
toward the PROMISCUOUS behavior of
the late 1970s and early 1980s changed
dramatically with the onset of the AIDS
crisis.
See also: Learn, Think, Understanding
K
118. Kill
(KIL), verb
To cause the death of; deprive of life; put
an end to.
NOUNS
fratricide (FRAT-rih-syd). The act of
killing a brother; the murder of a male
sibling.
It is only when Hamlet is told of the king’s
FRATRICIDE that a tragic chain of
events is initiated.
708/1316
genocide (JENN-uh-syd). The deliberate, systematic destruction of a culture,
people, or nation.
The Holocaust has been the most dramatic example of a government attempting to commit GENOCIDE against an
entire people—in this case, the Jews.
herbicide (URB-ih-syd). A chemical that
kills plants, especially that which eradicates weeds.
Although originally described as a comparatively harmless HERBICIDE, Agent
Orange was (as thousands of soldiers
learned much later) anything but.
sororicide (suh-RAWR-uh-syd). The act
of killing one’s own sister.
709/1316
Once past their teenage years, most sisters get over the urge to commit
SORORICIDE.
uxoricide (uk-SOR-ih-syd). The crime of
murdering one’s wife.
Eventually, the defendant was acquitted
of UXORICIDE; his wife’s death was
ruled a suicide.
vaticide (VAT-uh-syd). The act of murdering a prophet.
Tom took the reviewer’s negative article
on his religious poetry as an act tantamount to VATICIDE.
710/1316
VERBS
decapitate (dee-KAP-ih-tayt). To remove
the head of.
Although the guillotine was initially proposed as a humane method of execution,
the idea of using a machine to
DECAPITATE criminals now strikes most
people as barbaric.
defenestrate (de-FEN-uh-strayt). To
throw something or someone through or
from a window.
Successful completion of the plan to
DEFENESTRATE the dictator depended
upon timing, luck, and courage.
711/1316
fumigate (FYOO-mih-gayt). To release
fumes in order to get rid of insects or
other pests.
We had the place FUMIGATED, used
sound waves, and set dozens of traps, but
our house continued to be plagued by
cockroaches.
immolate (IM-uh-layt). To kill as if as a
sacrifice, especially by fire.
The monk’s dramatic act of selfIMMOLATION made headlines around
the world.
lapidate (LAP-ih-dayt). To stone to
death.
Because of worldwide outrage and diplomatic pressure, the decision to
712/1316
LAPIDATE a person for infidelity was
rescinded.
martyr (MAR-ter). To put to death for
adhering to a belief or particular faith.
Many religions have historically seen fit
to MARTYR disbelievers.
ANTONYMS
contrive (kuhn-TRYV). To invent;
design; fabricate; to bring about.
“There is nothing which has yet been
CONTRIVED by man, by which so much
happiness is produced as by a good tavern.”—Samuel Johnson, English poet,
critic and writer
713/1316
spawn (SPAWN). To bring forth or be the
source of; to give birth to; to give rise to.
The national games served to SPAWN
athletes for future Olympic competitions.
119. Kind
(KYND), adjective
Possessing sympathetic or generous qualities; of a benevolent nature.
ADJECTIVES
avuncular (A-VUNG-kyew-ler).Tolerant;
genial; like an uncle.
714/1316
Myron’s AVUNCULAR personality makes
women think of him as a friend, not as a
lover.
beneficent (beh-NEF-ih-sent). Magnanimous in action, purpose, or speech.
In a BENEFICENT gesture, the neighborhood raised $10,000 to help pay for the
young boy’s leukemia treatments.
benevolent (beh-NEV-uh-lent). Characterized by feelings of charity and good
will.
As spring approaches and the weather
warms, it seems that BENEVOLENT attitudes are in greater supply.
benign (beh-NYN). Softhearted; gentle;
mild; not harmful.
715/1316
We thought Amanda BENIGN until she
began to inflate her family pedigree.
magnanimous (mag-NAN-ih-muss).
Forgiving; unselfish; noble.
“In a serious struggle there is no worse
cruelty than to be MAGNANIMOUS at an
inopportune time.”—Leon Trotsky,
Bolshevik revolutionary and Marxist
theorist
NOUNS
bonhomie (bon-uh-MEE). A goodnatured, genial manner.
Even though he has no family pedigree,
Walker is accepted into our group
because of his contagious BONHOMIE.
716/1316
chivalry (SHIV-ul-ree). Brave, kind,
courteous, or gentlemanly behavior.
“We hear much of CHIVALRY of men
towards women; but… it vanishes like
dew before the summer sun when one of
us comes into competition with the manly
sex.”—Martha Coston, American author
ANTONYMS
malevolent (muh-LEV-uh-luhnt). Wishing harm or evil to others; having ill will;
malicious.
“Writers take words seriously . . . and
they struggle to steer their own through
the crosswinds of meddling editors and
careless typesetters and obtuse and
MALEVOLENT reviewers into the lap of
717/1316
the ideal reader.”—John Updike, American writer
malignant (muh-LIG-nuhnt). Having an
evil influence; wishing evil; very harmful.
“Doubtless criticism was originally
benignant, pointing out the beauties of a
work rather that its defects. The passions
of men have made it
MALIGNANT.”—Henry Wadsworth
Longfellow, American poet
120. Kismet
(KIZ-met), noun
Fate or destiny.
718/1316
ADJECTIVES
ineffable (in-EFF-uh-bull). Something so
fantastic, incredible, or difficult to grasp it
cannot be described in words.
Poet Ezra Pound wrote of “the infinite
and INEFFABLE quality of the British
empire.”
NOUNS
afflatus (uh-FLAY-tuss). Inspiration that
seems to come from divine origin.
The Nobel Prize–winning novelist attributed her abilities to AFFLATUS, rather
than to her own abilities.
719/1316
humanism (HEW-man-iz-um). The
intervention.
taste, and belief in the human
race.”—E.M. Forster, English novelist
manifest destiny (MAN-ih-fest DESStin-ee). Expansion into foreign lands, justified as being necessary or benevolent.
“It’s not greed and ambition that makes
wars—it’s goodness. Wars are always
fought for the best of reasons, for liberation or MANIFEST DESTINY, always
against tyranny and always in the best
720/1316
interests of humanity.”—James Garner in
The Americanization of Emily
ANTONYMS
iconoclast (eye-KAHN-uh-klasst). An
beliefs.
121. Kowtow
(kao-TAO), verb
721/1316
To give in to someone’s every wish; to
grovel and behave in a subservient
manner.
ADJECTIVES
common strangers.
British statesman and literary figure
722/1316
malleable (MAL-yuh-bull). Easily molded into different shapes; easily influenced to change one’s opinion or actions.
transcendentalist
NOUNS
appeasement (uh-PEEZ-meant). The
act of making others happy by agreeing to
their demands.
723/1316
with more respect.
capitulation (kuh-pitch-uh-LAY-shun).
The act of surrendering or giving up.
Ross offered James no CAPITULATION
during the confrontational lacrosse
game.
emulate or praise.
zealot (ZEL-it). A rabid follower; a true
believer; a fanatical advocate.
724/1316
“What a noble aim is that of the ZEALOT
who tortures himself like a madman in
order to desire nothing, love nothing, feel
nothing, and who, if he succeeded, would
end up a complete monster!”—Denis
Diderot, French philosopher
VERBS
held near and dear.
and fears.
725/1316
transcendentalist
propitiate (pro-PISH-ee-ayt). To win
over; to gain the approval and admiration
of.
“The life that went on in [many of the
street’s houses] seemed to me made up of
evasions and negations; shifts to save
cooking, to save washing and cleaning,
devices to PROPITIATE the tongue of
gossip.”—Willa Cather, American author
726/1316
ANTONYMS
entity.
Religious services were an ANATHEMA
to Russ, what with him being a dedicated
atheist and all.
intransigent (in-TRAN-zih-jent). Stubborn; refusing to consider opinions other
than one’s own.
“Lamont stared for a moment in frustration but Burt’s expression was a clearly
INTRANSIGENT one now.”—Isaac
Asimov, Russian-born American author
and biochemist
L
122. Laconic
(luh-KAWN-ik), adjective
Of few words; expressing oneself with an
economy of words.
ADJECTIVES
728/1316
farouche (fah-ROOSH). To become sullen, shy, or withdrawn in the presence of
company.
His FAROUCHE demeanor gave people
the impression that he didn’t like them,
when in fact, he was merely an introvert.
obscure.
and wonder as little as possible.”—William James, American psychologist and
philosopher
quiescent (kwee-ESS-ehnt). Being at
rest, inactive, or motionless.
729/1316
“There is a brief time for sex, and a long
time when sex is out of place. But when it
is out of place as an activity there still
should be the large and quiet space in the
consciousness where it lives
QUIESCENT.”—D.H. Lawrence, British
author
Swiss painter
ANTONYMS
730/1316
author
politician and the politician of the credulity of the journalist”—Emory Klein,
American journalist
babble.
731/1316
palaver (pa-LAH-ver). A rambling,
meandering stream-of-consciousness conversation spoken to prove or make a point.
Don’t ask Eileen about collecting art. The
result will be twenty minutes of mindnumbing PALAVER.
732/1316
transcendentalist
123. Language
(LANG-gwij), noun
A collection of words and the rules and
methods for their use common to a people
living in a community, geographical area,
or nation; the means of communicating
through sounds and symbols; speech.
ADJECTIVES
colloquial (kuh-LOW-kwee-ul).
Informal, conversational, everyday
language.
733/1316
“COLLOQUIAL poetry is to the real art as
the barber’s wax dummy is to sculpture.”—Ezra Pound, American expatriate
poet
demotic (dih-MAH-tik). Relating to simplified, common language.
Eileen always avoids DEMOTIC speech
because she does not want to be mistaken
for someone from the middle class.
proverbial (pruh-VER-bee-ul). Calling
to mind (a familiar) proverb; showing an
immediate parallel with a well-known saying, story, or maxim.
Stan considered his younger brother
about as useful as the PROVERBIAL fifth
wheel.
734/1316
sesquipedalian (ses-kwi-pih-DAL-yin).
Preferring or having long, complex words
with many syllables.
“Recently a strange whimsy has started
to creep in among the SESQUIPEDALIAN
prose of scientific journals.”—Stephen
Hall, American architect
stilted (STILL-tihd). Stiff and formal;
rigid and unspontaneous in nature.
The letter was composed in such
STILTED, elaborately correct language
that Sergeant Ryan surmised it was written by someone whose native language
was not English.
735/1316
NOUNS
aphasia (uh-FAY-zhuh). The inability,
brought on by brain damage, to understand words and/or ideas.
After his car accident, Marcus retained
all of his physical faculties but suffered
minor APHASIA that made it difficult for
him to speak coherently.
argot (ar-GO). Special words and idioms
used by particular groups or professions.
With the advent of text messaging, it has
become even more difficult to follow the
ARGOT of teenagers.
circumlocution (sir-kum-low-KEWshun). Language that is pompous, overly
formal, wordy, and redundant.
736/1316
Grant’s CIRCUMLOCUTION was an
attempt to suggest that he attended a
prep school, but all of us know he is a
product of public education.
etymology (et-ih-MOLL-uh-gee). The
study of the development and history of
words; the derivation of a word.
I took a little Greek in school, so I think I
can make an educated guess at this
word’s ETYMOLOGY.
euphemism (YU-feh-miz-im). A synonym that is less offensive than the word
it is used to replace.
“The doctor told me I’m big boned,” said
Chuck defensively. “That’s just a
EUPHEMISM for fat,” his brother said
meanly.
737/1316
euphuism (YU-few-iz-im). Ornate,
flowery, overly elaborate language, often
making the exact meaning difficult to
discern.
Felicia’s words are full of EUPHUISM,
particularly when describing the architecture of her family’s various houses.
homonym (HOM-uh-nim). A word with
the same pronunciation and spelling as
another but with a different meaning.
Most serious writing does not use
HOMONYMS except occasionally by
accident.
lexicon (LEK-sih-kahn). The language or
vocabulary of a specialized discipline or
profession.
738/1316
“In the LEXICON of lip-smacking, an epicure is fastidious in his choice and enjoyment of food, just a soupçon more expert
than a gastronome.”—William Safire,
American journalist and presidential
speechwriter
neologism (nee-AHL-uh-jiz-uhm). A
new word, or an “old” word used in a new
way.
William Shakespeare coined such
NEOLOGISMS as “gossip,” “swagger,”
and “domineering.”
nomenclature (NO-men-klay-cherr). A
labeling or naming system used in a specialized field or industry.
Even an activity as seemingly simple as
gardening has a NOMENCLATURE all its
739/1316
own, indecipherable to the layperson or
newbie.
onomatopoeia (on-uh-mat-uh-PEEuh). Words that sound like, or suggest,
their meaning.
The spring gala, with its popping corks,
fizzing champagne glasses, and thumping music was a cornucopia of
ONOMATOPOEIA.
oxymoron (awk-see-MORE-on). A
phrase made by combining two words that
are contradictory or incongruous.
Melissa sheepishly used the OXYMORON
“accidentally on purpose” to explain to
her father why her emergency credit card
included a charge for $500 Manolo
Blahnik heels.
740/1316
palindrome (PAL-in-drohm). A word or
sentence that reads the same forward as
backward.
In English class, Evelyn learned about
PALINDROMES, including, “Madam, I’m
Adam.”
philology (fi-LOL-uh-gee). The study of
ancient written records and texts.
Arthur’s interest in linguistics and the
origins of words naturally led him to a
serious involvement in PHILOLOGY.
pidgin (PIJ-in). A type of language created by the interaction of two distinct languages, used to help people communicate
across language barriers.
741/1316
We spoke PIDGIN to each other, and I
finally was able to understand how to get
to the nearest bathroom.
polyglot (PAWL-ee-glot). A person who
speaks a number of languages.
The president’s translator, a POLYGLOT,
served him well in missions to Germany,
Portugal, and Mexico.
rhetoric (RET-er-ik). The art or science
of using words effectively in writing or
speaking as a means of communication
and persuasion.
Plato called RHETORIC “the art of ruling
the minds of men.”
742/1316
semantics (suh-MAN-tix). The science of
the way meaning is communicated
through language.
Whether we say the compensation will be
“appropriate” or “competitive” is really a
matter of SEMANTICS; we know exactly
how much we intend to pay the person
we finally hire.
solecism (SOLL-ih-siz-um). A violation
of rules of grammar and usage.
We all waited eagerly for the president’s
next SOLECISM.
synecdoche (sih-NEK-duh-kee). A type
of shorthand speech in which a partial
description is understood by the reader or
listener to represent the whole; e.g.,
743/1316
saying “New York” in a discussion of baseball when you mean “the New York
Yankees.”
Marla could not stop using
SYNECDOCHE after she returned from
her trip to England during which she met
the royal family, saying repeatedly that
she had met and socialized with “the
crown.”
vernacular (ver-NAK-yu-ler). The language of a particular region or specific
group of people.
Communicating with stockbrokers is difficult for many investors because they do
not speak the VERNACULAR of the financial world.
744/1316
ANTONYMS
abridge (uh-BRIJ). To shorten by
decreasing the number of words; shorten;
curtail.
“Many a long dispute among divines may
be thus ABRIDGED: It is so. It is not so. It
is so. It is not so.”—Benjamin Franklin,
American statesman and scientist
See also: Speech, Talk
124. Learn
(LURN), verb
To acquire knowledge or skill by study; to
become well informed.
745/1316
NOUNS
clerisy (KLARE-uh-see). Learned persons as a class; intellectuals collectively.
The society struggled for recognition
because it could not support a CLERISY.
cognoscente (kon-yuh-SHEN-tee). Person with superior knowledge or understanding of a particular field.
As a result of my many years living in the
Bordeaux region of France, I am very
much a COGNOSCENTE of wine and
winemaking.
intelligentsia (in-tell-ih-JENT-see-uh).
The class of people who are cultured, educated, intellectual, and interested in art
and literature.
746/1316
“You see these gray hairs? Well, making
whoopee with the INTELLIGENTSIA was
the way I earned them.”—Dorothy
Parker, American author and poet
literati (lit-uh-RAH-tee). The segment of
society made up of learned or literary men
and women.
We attract the LITERATI because of our
constantly carefree and exciting exploits.
luminary (LOO-muh-nair-ee). A person
recognized as an inspirational leader in
his or her field.
Frederick’s father is a LUMINARY in the
field of circumventing most income tax.
lyceum (LIE-see-um). A school or other
place of learning.
747/1316
“[Television] should be our LYCEUM, our
Chautauqua, our Minsky’s, and our Camelot.”—E.B. White, American author
mentat (MEN-tat). A human being capable of performing mental tasks with the
accuracy and speed of a computer. The
word was invented by author Frank Herbert for his science fiction classic Dune.
Our accountant is a veritable MENTAT!
Did you see how fast he determined all of
our charitable deductions!
oracle (OR-uh-kul). Someone who is
seen as wise and authoritative, who offers
completely dependable counsel or advice.
After Appomattox, Grant’s words seemed
(much to his surprise) to be regarded as
having issued from an ORACLE.
748/1316
pedagogue (PED-ah-gog). A strict,
humorless, no-nonsense teacher.
“The negative cautions of science are
never popular. If the experimentalist
would not commit himself, the social
philosopher, the preacher, and the
PEDAGOGUE tried the harder to give a
short-cut answer.”—Margaret Mead,
American cultural anthropologist
polymath (PAWL-ee-math). A person
with a wide range of intellectual interests
or a broad base of knowledge in many different disciplines.
“I had a terrible vision: I saw an encyclopedia walk up to a POLYMATH and open
him up.”—Karl Kraus, Austrian writer
749/1316
savant (sah-VONT). A person with a natural talent or genius in a particular field or
skill.
With her family’s background in finance,
it was a given that Francine would be a
Wall Street SAVANT.
tutelage (toot-uhl-ij). Guided instruction
or protection.
It was under Dr. Clay’s TUTELAGE that
he came to understand how much craft
was required to write a solid play.
yeshiva (yeh-SHEE-vuh). A place of
instruction in the Orthodox Jewish tradition for children of elementary school age.
When the YESHIVA released its children
in the afternoon, the sounds of laughter
echoed through the neighborhood.
750/1316
VERBS
indoctrinate (in-DOK-truh-nayt). To
teach; to impart with the knowledge or
views of a particular group, philosophy, or
theory.
Max’s earnest attempts to
INDOCTRINATE me with the ideals of the
Communist Party left me unimpressed.
ANTONYMS
illiteracy (ih-LIT-er-uh-see). The inability to read and write; lack of education.
“Ignorance and ILLITERACY are obviously not synonymous; even illiterate
masses can cast their ballots with intelligence, once they are informed.”—William
Douglas, associate Supreme Court justice
751/1316
See also: Judgment, Think,
Understanding
125. Limited
(LIM-ih-tid), adjective
Confined within bounds; restricted.
ADJECTIVES
topical (TOP-uh-kul). Having to do with
matters of local or current interest.
John wanted to learn about events in the
Middle East, but the newscast only
covered TOPICAL occurrences.
752/1316
VERBS
circumscribe (SUR-kuhm-skryb). To
encircle or encompass; confine.
After the incident in the student union,
our social activities were
CIRCUMSCRIBED for the remainder of
the semester.
constrain (kuhn-STRAYN). To force into
or hold in boundaries; confine.
Alice felt the social mores of her family
and friends would eventually
CONSTRAIN her to a life of mediocrity
and unhappiness.
constrict (kuhn-STRIKT). To make
smaller or tighter by binding or
compressing.
753/1316
Refusing to be CONSTRICTED, Jack joyfully colored outside the lines.
delimit (dih-LIM-it). To establish or
mark the boundaries or limits of;
demarcate.
After squabbling with the neighbors for
years, we had professional surveyors
DELIMIT the property once and for all.
demarcate (dih-MAHR-kayt). To set the
limits of; to distinguish; separate.
All of our working areas were
DEMARCATED with cubicles of various
sizes.
prescribe (prih-SKRYB). To set down or
give rules or directions to be followed;
direct.
754/1316
We thought we could build whatever we
wanted on the land, but discovered that
the town had PRESCRIBED the nature of
all construction.
ANTONYMS
boundless (BOWND-liss). Unlimited;
infinite; vast.
“The world of reality has its limits; the
world of the imagination is
BOUNDLESS.”—Jean-Jacques Rousseau,
French philosopher and writer
fathomless (FATH-uhm-lis). Too deep
to be measured; bottomless; boundless.
Try as we might, none of the students in
class have stumped the professor with a
755/1316
question on any topic; his knowledge
seems FATHOMLESS.
126. Literature
(LIT-er-uh-chur), noun
The body of writings of a specific language, people, or period; the profession
and output of an author, especially creative prose or verse.
NOUNS
belles-lettres (bell-LET-ruh). Literature
considered as fine art; fictional work having a solely aesthetic function.
Those who study rhetoric speak derisively of literature that exists for an
756/1316
aesthetic purpose only, and therefore
ignore BELLES-LETTRES.
bibliomania (bib-lee-oh-MAY-nee-uh).
A preoccupation with the acquisition and
ownership of books.
Lauren’s BIBLIOMANIA extends only to
her stockpile of catalogs for exclusive
shops.
bildungsroman (BILL-dungs-roh-man).
A coming-of-age novel, such as The
Catcher in the Rye or A Portrait of the
Artist as a Young Man.
Alex has started writing a
BILDUNGSROMAN about his experiences in prep school.
757/1316
breviary (BREE-vee-air-ee). A brief summary or abridgement.
She called it a BREVIARY, but Lana’s
recounting of her family’s month on the
Riviera was anything but short.
corrigendum (kor-ih-JEN-dum). An
error to be corrected in a manuscript.
The proofreader handed the manuscript
back to Bill, who was horrified to find
that it still contained hundreds of
CORRIGENDA.
gazetteer (gaz-ih-TEER). A geographical
index or dictionary of places organized by
name.
The Rothschilds prefer their pilot simply
head for the sun, rather than consult a
GAZETTEER prior to short flights.
758/1316
lexicography (lex-ih-KOG-ruh-fee). The
compiling, writing, and editing of
dictionaries.
Though he had never intended to pursue
a career in LEXICOGRAPHY, Jeremy
spent twenty years with Merriam-Webster, working his way up from researcher
to editor.
lexicon (LEK-sih-kawn). A dictionary
composed for a specific, narrowly defined
(professional) audience; the vocabulary
associated with a specific discipline or
group.
Arthur, though not a doctor, was well
versed in the LEXICON of medicine.
759/1316
magnum opus (MAG-num OH-pess). A
great work, especially of art or literature;
the chief work of an artist or author.
All the King’s Men could be considered
Robert Penn Warren’s MAGNUM OPUS.
monograph (MON-uh-graff). A scholarly article or essay on a certain topic,
usually intended for an academic audience
and not for the general public.
Peterson’s MONOGRAPH on theoretical
physics was well received in the scientific
community, although it certainly makes
for tough reading for the layman.
necrology (nuh-KROL-uh-jee). A list of
people who have recently died; an
obituary.
760/1316
Benjamin scoured the long NECROLOGY
for the name of his father, but it was not
there.
oeuvre (OO-vruh). An artist’s, writer’s, or
composer’s body of work, treated as a
whole.
Esmerelda is familiar with and adores all
of Puccini’s OEUVRE, but many find his
operas overly mawkish.
opus (OH-puss). A major literary or
musical work.
The Breckinridges commissioned the
composer’s next OPUS, which will be debuted at the family’s fall ball.
paleography (pay-lee-OG-ruh-fee). The
study of ancient writings and inscriptions.
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In order to understand their discoveries,
archeologists study PALEOGRAPHY.
palimpsest (PAL-imp-sest). A parchment manuscript on which the text is
written over older, earlier text, much like
an oil portrait or landscape painted over
another painting.
The newest addition to the Pattersons’
rare manuscript collection turned out to
be a PALIMPSEST, covering a text nearly
one thousand years old.
précis (pray-SEE). A concise summary;
abridgement; abstract.
The authors were too invested in the
work to be able to write an acceptable
PRÉCIS.
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protagonist (pro-TAG-uh-nist). The lead
character in a story, play, novel, etc.
I stopped reading the book because I
found the PROTAGONIST so
unbelievable.
recension (ree-SEN-shun). A critical
revision of a literary work.
Changes in literary tastes make a
RECENSION of standard works seem like
a good idea.
roman à clef (ro-MON ah KLAY). A purportedly fictional work that only thinly
veils the actual experiences of the author
or of characters based on real personages.
Truman Capote was ostracized by those
in his circle when he published a devastating excerpt from a ROMAN À CLEF,
763/1316
Unanswered Prayers, that lampooned the
frailties and indiscretions of the people
who had been closest to him.
strophe (STRO-fee). A stanza containing
lines that do not conform to the type,
style, or form of the poem in which they
appear.
Those not wearing haute couture stick
out at our gatherings like STROPHES
stick out in short poems.
tome (TOAM). A large or scholarly book.
“She carries a book but it is not / the
TOME of the ancient wisdom, / the pages,
I imagine, are the blank pages / of the
unwritten volume of the new.”—Hilda
Doolittle, American poet and memoirist
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tractate (TRAK-tayt). A treatise.
Jason spent more than six months polishing his first TRACTATE.
treatise (TREE-tiss). A formal and systematic written work on the principles,
facts, evidence, and conclusions of a
subject.
Mill’s TREATISE on the equality of
women was revolutionary for its time.
variorum (vair-ee-OR-em). An edition of
a literary work containing alternative
readings or notes by various editors or
scholars.
The publisher believed that the quantity
of reviews warranted issuing a
VARIORUM.
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vignette (vin-YET). A brief story, incident, or episode, usually told to illustrate
some point.
Adding a VIGNETTE or two to a speech
can help make abstract ideas clearer.
VERBS
emend (ee-MEND). To change by means
of editing; to correct (a text or reading).
Many of Shakespeare’s most famous
lines, such as “A rose by any other name
would smell as sweet,” are the result of a
critic’s choice to EMEND a troublesome
source text.
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ANTONYMS
token (TOH-kuhn). Something used to
represent a fact or event.
Archaeologists have evidence that the use
of TOKENS predated writing.
127. Livid
(LIHV-id), adjective
Enraged or extremely angry.
ADJECTIVES
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author
apoplectic (ap-up-PLECK-tic). An
extremely agitated state of rage.
Emily’s careless event planning makes
me so APOPLECTIC that I just want to
step in and plan the luncheon myself.
that he’ll instantly grow BELLICOSE if
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intemperate (in-TEM-prit). Indulging
one’s own whims and fancies without
regard to other people’s feelings or inconvenience; immoderate, particularly in
drinking alcoholic beverages.
“Certainly it was ordained as a scourge
upon the pride of human wisdom, that
the wisest of us all, should thus outwit
ourselves, and eternally forego our purposes in the INTEMPERATE act of pursuing them.”—Laurence Sterne, Irish-born
English novelist and Anglican clergyman
irascible (ih-RASS-uh-bull). Easily irritated or annoyed; prone to losing one’s
769/1316
damn who wasn’t IRASCIBLE.”—Ezra
Pound, American expatriate poet
NOUNS
entity.
atheist and all.
770/1316
and an escalation of the dispute over time.
RANCOR between antagonistic neighbors.”—Harlan Ellison, American author
Xanthippe (zan-TIP-ee). An illtempered, shrewish woman.
Felicia is far from a XANTHIPPE simply
because she interacts only with certain
members of the household staff.
771/1316
VERBS
abominate (uh-BOM-in-ayt). To loathe;
hate; detest.
“For my part, I ABOMINATE all honorable respectable toils, trials, and tribulations of every kind
whatsoever.”—Herman Melville, American author
772/1316
ANTONYMS
Marcus.
revolutionary
773/1316
humiliations GAMBOL on sunny afternoons.”—W.H. Auden, Anglo-American
poet
jocose (joe-KOSS). Humorous, playful,
and characterized by good humor.
The pony’s JOCOSE antics marked it for
a career in polo, rather than on the
racetrack.
vivacious (vih-VAY-shuss). Joyful;
happy, spirited; possessing a positive attitude about and enthusiasm for life; a person who lives life to the fullest.
774/1316
Even after her family maintained some
steep revenue losses, Sandra retained her
VIVACIOUS character.
128. Love
(LUHV), noun
A strong and passionate affection or
attachment to another person or persons.
ADJECTIVES
amatory (AM-uh-tore-ee). Having to do
with sexual love.
Pete hasn’t stopped sulking since Alice
spurned his AMATORY advances at the
office Christmas party.
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narcissistic (nar-sis-SIS-tik). Self-loving; egotistic; indifferent to others.
Self-promotion is one thing; the
NARCISSISTIC zeal with which Gerald
asserts himself is quite another.
smitten (SMIT-uhn). Very much in love;
struck, as though by a hard blow.
Warren is so SMITTEN with Ellen that
he’s no longer productive.
uxorious (uk-SORE-ee-us). Submissive
or doting toward one’s wife.
Although Grandpa makes a show of
rebellion against Grandma’s strictures
every now and then for our sake, he’s as
UXORIOUS as they come.
776/1316
NOUNS
agape (ah-GAH-pay). In Christianity,
divine love for humanity, or human love
that transcends customary boundaries;
often used to describe an unselfish love
that goes beyond sexuality or worldly
concerns.
The nurse’s work among the poor and
dispossessed seemed rooted not in a wellmeaning and temporary humanitarian
instinct but in a deeper and more profound AGAPE totally unfamiliar to most
of us.
billet-doux (bill-a-DOO). A love letter.
Plural: billets-doux (bill-a-dooz).
777/1316
The young couple exchanged BILLETSDOUX almost every day the summer they
were apart.
Casanova (kass-uh-NO-vuh). A man
noted for his amorous activities.
Phil likes to think of himself as a
CASANOVA, but most women just think
he’s pathetic.
paramour (PAIR-uh-more). An illicit
lover.
Although the women in her circle made
high-minded speeches about her morality, Mrs. Able knew full well that most of
them had had a PARAMOUR at one time
or another.
778/1316
philogyny (fi-LOJ-uh-nee). The love of
or fondness for women.
Zack’s PHILOGYNY came naturally to
him, having grown up with seven sisters.
polyandry (PAWL-ee-an-dree). The
practice of having two or more husbands
at the same time.
Women who practice POLYANDRY, when
questioned closely, typically advise
against it.
polygamy (puh-LIG-uh-mee). The societal practice of having more than one
spouse (especially, more than one wife) at
a time.
The sect’s advocacy of POLYGAMY and
group parenting eventually brought it
779/1316
into bitter conflict with the stern-minded
townsfolk of Harris Hollow.
polygyny (puh-LIJ-uh-nee). The practice
of having two or more wives at the same
time.
POLYGYNY is more common than most
people realize, but when revealed, such
examples always create public outrage.
swain (SWAYN). A male lover.
The regency romance was teeming with
would-be SWAINS.
tryst (TRIST). An appointment made by
lovers to meet at a certain place and time.
Since their families are of equal station,
no one worries much about the
780/1316
supposedly secret TRYSTS between
Josephine and Brock.
VERBS
ogle (OH-guhl). To look at in an amorous
or impertinent way.
No one would want to trade places with
us if they only knew how tiresome it
becomes to have the paparazzi constantly
OGLING you.
osculate (OS-kyuh-layt). To kiss.
With practice, Jack was able to perfect
his ability to OSCULATE.
781/1316
ANTONYMS
abhor (ab-HOR). To experience a feeling
of great repugnance or disgust.
It was clear almost as soon as the dinner
party had begun that Jennifer
ABHORRED her half-sister.
antagonistic (an-tag-uh-NISS-tik). Acting in a hostile, unfriendly manner; in
opposition.
“There must always remain something
that is ANTAGONISTIC to good.”—Plato,
Greek philosopher
See also: Sex
M
129. Magniloquent
(mag-NILL-uh-kwuhnt), adjective
Pompous, bombastic, and boastful.
ADJECTIVES
adulatory (AJ-uh-luh-tore-ee). Complimentary; giving of effusive praise.
author
783/1316
grandiloquent (grand-EL-oh-kwent).
Having a pompous, overly inflated, hyperbolic, or pretentious way of presenting
oneself in speech and mannerism.
The architect waxed GRANDILOQUENT
about the visionary design of his new
skyscraper.
verbose (ver-BOHS). Describes a person
or composition using more words than are
needed to get the point across.
784/1316
NOUNS
braggadocio (brag-uh-DOH-see-oh).
Empty boasting or bragging.
Eric claims he is a consummate wine connoisseur, but it is just BRAGGADOCIO.
demagogue (DEM-ah-gog). A politician
who owes his popularity largely to pandering to popular opinion and catering to the
wishes of his constituency.
“A DEMAGOGUE is a person with whom
we disagree as to which gang should mismanage the country.”—Don Marquis,
American journalist and humorist
litany (LIT-n-ee). A prolonged and boring account.
785/1316
“With the supermarket as our temple and
the singing commercial as our LITANY,
are we likely to fire the world with an
irresistible vision of America’s exalted
purpose and inspiring way of
life?”—Adlai Stevenson, American
politician
locution (low-KEW-shin). A person’s
manner and style of speaking.
Neil prides himself on his precise
LOCUTION, but some of the guys think he
sounds rather prissy.
VERBS
786/1316
it really is.
descant (des-KANT). To talk freely and
without inhibition.
Eloise is always more than willing to
DESCANT concerning her past liaisons.
787/1316
harangue (huh-RANG). Verbally accost;
yell at; berate.
“But on that hot July day she
breaks—HARANGUING strangers in the
street.”—Oliver Sacks, British neurologist
ANTONYMS
colloquial (kuh-LOW-kwee-ul).
language.
788/1316
poet
boldness.
Bentley.
words.
789/1316
stolid (STAHL-id). Unemotional and
impassive.
Thomas’s STOLID demeanor hides the
heart of a jet-setting playboy.
130. Meeting
(MEE-ting), noun
The process by which people come
together; an assembly of or encounter
between people.
NOUNS
assignation (ass-ig-NAY-shun). A secret
meeting between lovers.
790/1316
The countess’s ASSIGNATIONS with the
stable boy caused tongues to wag
throughout the town.
conclave (KON-klave). A secret meeting;
also, the room in which this meeting is
held.
Fearing he might crack under pressure,
the rebels did not include Eli in the
CONCLAVE in which they planned their
attack strategy.
confluence (KON-flu-ence). A point of
meeting or flowing together.
It is on the issue of human spiritual
growth that the two philosophies find
their CONFLUENCE.
791/1316
forum (FOR-um). A gathering, meeting,
or program held for the purpose of discussing matters of public or common
concern.
“Although I am sure your neighbor’s constantly barking dog is irritating, Mrs.
Wakefield,” the chairman intoned, “the
purpose of this FORUM is to discuss the
proposed waste site.”
liaison (lee-A-zawn). A romantic affair;
the meeting of lovers.
My LIAISONS with Margaret were held
in such romantic locales that I believed
we should arrive on horseback to complete the image.
792/1316
rendezvous (RON-day-voo). A meeting;
especially, a secret meeting between
lovers.
Claire knew that if her mother found out
about her RENDEZVOUS with Elton, she
would be grounded for at least a week.
symposium (sim-POZE-ee-um). A gathering of experts before an audience whose
members may pose questions.
The SYMPOSIUM was a disaster; both
professors arrived an hour late, after
most of the audience had given up and
left.
tête-à-tête (TET-ah-tet). A face-to-face
meeting.
Some of us had begun to believe that
neighborhood children were pilfering
793/1316
from us, so we sat down the allegedly
guilty parties and had a TÊTE-À-TÊTE.
tryst (TRIST). An appointment made by
lovers to meet at a certain place and time.
Since their families are of equal station,
no one worries much about the supposedly secret TRYSTS between
Josephine and Brock.
VERBS
convoke (kuhn-VOKE). To call together
for a meeting; to summon.
An announcement went out over the
intercom to CONVOKE seminar
participants.
794/1316
ANTONYMS
discrete (dih-SKREET). Separate and
distinct; apart or detached from others.
Each work was DISCRETE and stood on
its own.
divergent (dih-VUR-juhnt). Differing;
diverging from others.
“Music creates order out of chaos: for
rhythm imposes unanimity upon the
DIVERGENT, melody imposes continuity
upon the disjointed, and harmony
imposes compatibility upon the incongruous”—Yehudi Menuhin, Russian-American violinist
795/1316
131. Memory
(MEM-uh-ree), noun
The act or process of remembering; the
mental ability to retain and revive facts,
events, or impressions; the sum of what
one remembers.
ADJECTIVES
eidetic (EYE-det-ik). Describes a
memory or mental image recalled with
perfect clarity.
I’d studied the travel brochures so much
that I had a perfectly EIDETIC vision of
what to expect on the cruise ship.
796/1316
nepenthean (ni-PEN-thee-uhn). Inducing a pleasurable feeling of forgetfulness,
especially that of sorrow or trouble.
Attending the concert and losing himself
in the beautiful melodies had a
NEPENTHEAN effect on Jack.
NOUNS
anamnesis (an-am-NEE-sis). A recalling
or recollection of the past.
Jack’s anamneses were vivid and painful,
evoking powerful recollections of the one
true love of his life, now lost.
memoir (MEM-wahr). A series of written
reminiscences about people, places, and
events composed by and from the point of
797/1316
view of someone with intimate knowledge
of the details.
Since Richard Nixon, virtually all American presidents have felt compelled to
publish MEMOIRS focusing on their time
in office.
memorabilia (mem-er-uh-BIL-ee-uh).
Things worth remembering or recording;
things that stir recollections; mementos;
souvenirs.
John had a separate collection of
MEMORABILIA for each of the family’s
vacations.
mnemonic (neh-MON-ik). A rhyme,
sentence, or other word pattern designed
to help one memorize facts.
798/1316
“Roy G. Biv” is a MNEMONIC for the colors of a rainbow: red, orange, yellow,
green, blue, indigo, violet.
reminiscence (rem-uh-NISS-uhns). The
act of remembering; a mental impression;
memory.
Confined to her bed, unable to read due to
failing eyesight, Jane’s dying grandmother hung on to the many happy
REMINISCENCES of her life.
VERBS
evoke (ee-VOKE). To call forth or summon; to bring back to life through appeal
to memory.
The sight of the old mansion EVOKED
many bittersweet memories for Charles.
799/1316
ANTONYMS
amnesia (am-NEE-zhuh). Partial or total
loss of memory.
“A nation that forgets its past can function no better than an individual with
AMNESIA.”—David McCullough, American author
oblivion (uh-BLIV-ee-un). The state of
being beyond memory and utterly forgotten; lost to human recollection.
To Tim, the fact that his book was being
allowed to go out of print meant that he
as an author had been consigned to
OBLIVION.
800/1316
132. Minion
(MIN-yuhn), noun
A follower of someone in an important
position.
NOUNS
aficionado (uh-fish-ee-uh-NAH-doe). A
devotee, someone who is enthralled with
and supports a particular activity.
Dwight often refers to himself as an
AFICIONADO of American-made
microbrews.
faction (FAK-shin). A small dissenting
group within a larger one.
801/1316
“I will keep where there is wit stirring,
and leave the FACTION of fools.”—William Shakespeare
fealty (FEE-ul-tee). A sense of obligation
or loyalty, usually existing because one
person feels beholden to another.
The only reason that Bryson pledged
FEALTY to David is because David’s
social connections helped Bryson get a
job on Wall Street.
view.
American critic
802/1316
phalanx (FAY-lanks). A large division or
group of soldiers grouped closely together
in an orderly fashion for marching or
fighting.
Philip of Macedon armed each man with
a long spear so the PHALANX bristled
like a porcupine.
VERBS
inculcate (IN-kul-kayt). To impress an
idea or belief upon someone by repeating
it to that person over and over until the
idea is firmly lodged in his brain.
New cult members are quickly
INCULCATED with the cult leader’s
beliefs and world view.
803/1316
ANTONYMS
iconoclast (eye-KAHN-uh-clast). An
beliefs.
maverick (MAH-ver-ik). An unorthodox
or unconventional person who does what
it takes to get things done.
“The rugged individualist is too often
mistaken for the misfit, the MAVERICK,
the spoilsport, the sore thumb.”—Lewis H.
804/1316
Lapham, former editor of Harper’s
Magazine
quisling (KWIZ-ling). A traitor; a person
who conspires with the enemy.
In 1945 the leader of Norway’s National
Unity movement was executed for being
a QUISLING.
133. Mistake
(mi-STAYK), noun
An error in understanding or perception;
a blunder; fault.
805/1316
NOUNS
aberration (ab-uh-RAY-shun). A departure from what is true, correct, or right; a
deviation from the normal or typical.
“When will we reach the point that hunting, the pleasure in killing animals for
sport, will be regarded as a mental
ABERRATION?”—Albert Schweitzer, German missionary and philosopher
blunder (BLUHN-der). A significant,
foolish, or thoughtless mistake; stupid and
careless error.
Driving drunk is a BLUNDER that most
thoughtful people make only once.
806/1316
contretemps (KON-treh-tahn). An inopportune occurrence with embarrassing
results.
“Pan had been amongst them… the little
god Pan, who presides over social
CONTRETEMPS and unsuccessful picnics.”—E. M. Forster, English novelist
faux pas (FOH pah). A serious breach of
social protocol or etiquette.
Looking a Japanese business customer
directly in the eye during conversation is
considered an egregious FAUX PAS.
gaffe (GAF). A social blunder.
When he was shown the door, Jack realized that his latest thoughtless remark
was a bigger GAFFE than he’d suspected.
807/1316
mea culpa (me-uh-KULP-uh). An
acknowledgement, usually public, of a
blunder or mistake.
After the politician made racially tinged
comments, he spent the better part of a
month offering MEA CULPAS on national
television.
solecism (SOLL-ih-siz-um). Something
that deviates from the normal, accepted,
or proper order; inconsistency.
She was sure that her SOLECISM would
be forgiven and forgotten in time.
ANTONYMS
definitude (dih-FIN-ih-tyood). Definiteness; precision.
808/1316
There was no question about the solution;
Jason had studied the problem and could
provide the correct answer with
DEFINITUDE.
faultless (FAWLT-lis). Without fault or
defect; perfect.
“Whoever thinks a FAULTLESS piece to
see, / Thinks what ne’er was, nor is, nor
e’er shall be.”—Alexander Pope, English
poet
See also: False
134. Moderation
(mod-uh-RAY-shun), noun
An absence of excess or extremes;
calmness; the practice of restraint.
809/1316
ADJECTIVES
abstemious (ab-STEE-me-us). Eating
plain and simple food in moderation,
avoiding overindulgence in drink and
gluttony at the table.
Gandhi led an ABSTEMIOUS life.
spartan (SPAR-tin). Self-disciplined,
frugal, and stoic. People who lived in the
810/1316
ancient Greek city of Sparta were known
for their discipline and austerity.
Paul lives such a SPARTAN life that his
apartment has more exercise equipment
than furniture.
staid (STAYD). Fixed and settled; not distinctive; sedate; prim.
Even though the Sandersons are an
important family, we could hardly last
the requisite hour at the family’s STAID
winter ball.
NOUNS
abstinence (AB-steh-nence). The voluntarily forgoing of the indulgence of an
appetite; denial of certain foods and
drinks thought to be harmful to one’s
811/1316
health; refraining from behavior considered immoral.
After years of indulgence, it was difficult
for Evelyn to follow her doctor’s order of
complete ABSTINENCE from liquor.
ascetic (uh-SET-ik). A person who deliberately chooses to live a plain and simple
life; characterized by lack of material possessions and strong self-discipline in all
matters of behavior.
When Steve Jobs started Apple, a
magazine profile portrayed him as an
ASCETIC, noting that he had no furniture
in his apartment.
temperance (TEM-per-ence). Moderation in eating and drinking; abstinence
from consuming alcoholic beverages.
812/1316
Cicero said that TEMPERANCE is “the
firm and moderate dominion of reason
over passion and other unrighteous
impulses of the mind.”
VERBS
sublimate (SUB-lih-mayt). To transfer
the force of an unacceptable inclination or
impulse to a pursuit considered proper or
wholesome.
There is a popular—but
unproven—notion that butchers are
secretly violent, and that they choose
their profession as a means of
SUBLIMATING their passions.
813/1316
ANTONYMS
libertine (LIB-er-teen). Licentious and
free of moral restraint; or, a person so
characterized.
“It is easier to make a saint out of a
LIBERTINE than out of a prig.”—George
Santayana, author and philosopher
licentious (ly-SEN-shuss). Promiscuous;
slutty; someone who is sexually uninhibited and free.
Janine’s LICENTIOUS behavior was
really a cry for attention, the school psychologist was convinced.
profligate (PROF-lih-git). Extravagant;
wasteful; give to activity, expenditures, or
814/1316
indulgences beyond those of any reasonable person.
My PROFLIGATE expenditures quickly
came to a halt when my bank account
reached zero.
roué (roo-AY). A licentious man; a libertine or lecher.
Although Ernest’s dalliances might have
been understandable when he was a
young man, they were more difficult for
his family to forgive in his later years,
when he came to resemble nothing so
much as a tired and lonely old ROUÉ.
135. Modest
(MOD-ist), adjective
815/1316
Having or showing an unassuming or
humble opinion of one’s own achievements, merits, abilities, etc.; free from
vanity or pretension.
ADJECTIVES
chary (CHAIR-ee). Shy; timid; careful;
wary.
Martha was CHARY of trying anything
new, whether restaurants, movies, vacation destinations, or even grocery stores.
circumspect (SIR-kum-spekt). Prudent,
cautious, considering from all sides.
“I smiled, / I waited, / I was
CIRCUMSPECT; / O never, never, never
write that I / missed life or
816/1316
loving.”—Hilda Doolittle, American poet
and memoirist
deferential (def-uh-REN-shul). Showing
respect to someone as a superior; having a
humble demeanor.
A DEFERENTIAL attitude has no place in
a respectful relationship.
demure (di-MYOOR). Affecting a
reserved and shy appearance; outwardly
retiring.
Mr. Atkins found the Hallis twins
DEMURE, and wondered what they
would say about him when he left.
817/1316
boldness.
Bentley.
dubious (DOO-bee-uss). Tending to be
skeptical, uncertain, or doubtful.
His lack of esteem made him DUBIOUS
about forming relationships.
reticent (REH-tih-sent). Reluctance to
openly express one’s thoughts, feelings,
and personal business to other people;
reserved; behaving like an introvert in
social situations.
“The shorter poems tend to be
RETICENT, psychologically acute love
poems about the shifting inequalities of
818/1316
love.”—Edward Mendelson, Professor of
English and Comparative Literature at
Columbia University
verecund (VER-ih-kuhnd). Bashful;
modest.
Paul’s VERECUND manner makes it difficult to carry on a conversation with him.
ANTONYMS
brazen (BRAY-zuhn). Having no shame;
impudent; bold.
819/1316
The prosecutor expertly summarized the
defendant’s BRAZEN disregard for the
health and safety of innocent bystanders
in the commission of his heinous crime.
depraved (dih-PRAYVD). Morally bad;
corrupt; perverted.
“We Americans have always considered
Hollywood, at best, a sinkhole of
DEPRAVED venality. And, of course, it
is.”—David Mamet, American playwright
See also: Moderation
136. Mourn
(MAWRN), verb
To feel or express sorrow; lament; grieve;
to show the conventional signs of grief.
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ADJECTIVES
bereaved (bih-REEVD). In a state of
mourning; deeply sorrowful because of
the loss of a loved one.
The most difficult part of Father
Maurice’s job was providing solace for
those in his parish who were BEREAVED.
funereal (fyoo-NEER-ee-uhl). Reminiscent of a funeral; dark, brooding, and
mournful.
The funereal tone of the meeting was not
at all what we had in mind to raise
morale.
lugubrious (loo-GOO-bree-us). Mournful in the extreme.
821/1316
You may consider Steven’s poems “dark”;
to me, they are simply LUGUBRIOUS.
plaintive (PLAIN-tive). Expressing sorrow or sadness; mournful.
Even the singing of birds had a
PLAINTIVE sound at the house for weeks
after our dog Sasha died.
NOUNS
dirge (durj). A funeral song; a song of
mourning.
The DIRGE from Cymbeline, according to
Professor Alpert, is the only worthwhile
passage to be found in that seldom-produced Shakespeare play.
822/1316
elegy (ELL-uh-jee). A poem of mourning;
a poem reflecting on and praising the
deceased.
At the funeral, Mitch read a touching
ELEGY for his grandmother, reminding
all present of the life of kindness and sacrifice she had led.
eulogy (YOO-luh-jee). Speech or writing
in praise of a person, typically used for a
person who has recently died.
Diane delivered a EULOGY for her uncle
that managed to be simultaneously sad
and heart-warming.
lamentation (lam-en-TAY-shun). An
expression of mourning.
Karl heard groans of LAMENTATION
from his mother’s room.
823/1316
solace (SOL-uss). Consolation; to sympathize with and console.
The fact that he had thrown three touchdowns was little SOLACE to Jim: all he
could think about was losing the game.
VERBS
rue (roo). To be sorrowful; to mourn or
regret bitterly.
After spending prom night at home
watching movies by herself, Susan began
to RUE the day she had rejected Mark so
cruelly.
ANTONYMS
exult (ig-ZULT). To rejoice greatly; be
jubilant; to feel triumphant joy.
824/1316
“Arms are instruments of ill omen. When
one is compelled to use them, it is best to
do so without relish. There is no glory in
victory, and to glorify it despite this is to
EXULT in the killing of men.”—Lao Tzu,
Chinese Taoist philosopher
fete (FAYT). To celebrate; to honor or
entertain.
In honor of their victory, the baseball
team was FETED at a celebratory dinner
sponsored by the town’s recreation
department.
See also: Sad
137. Mysterious
(mih-STEER-ee-us), adjective
825/1316
Of, containing, implying, or characterized
by mystery; that which excites curiosity
and wonder but is difficult or impossible
to explain.
ADJECTIVES
arcane (ar-KAYN). Strange and mysterious; understood only by the initiated.
enigmatic (en-ig-MATT-ik). Mysterious,
puzzling, and difficult to figure out.
“The interest in life does not lie in what
people do, nor even in their relations to
each other, but largely in the power to
826/1316
communicate with a third party, antagonistic, ENIGMATIC, yet perhaps persuadable, which one may call life in
general.”—Virginia Woolf, British essayist and novelist
metaphysical (met-uh-FIZ-ih-kuhl).
Beyond the physical or material; supernatural or transcendental.
827/1316
“Art is the highest task and proper
METAPHYSICAL activity of this
life.”—Friedrich Nietzsche, German
philosopher
spiritual (SPIR-ih-choo-uhl). Of or pertaining to the spirit as distinguished from
the body; supernatural.
“Military power wins battles, but
SPIRITUAL power wins wars.”—General
George Marshall, American military
commander
NOUNS
prestidigitation (PRESS-tih-dih-ji-TAYshun). The performance of sleight-of-hand
magic tricks.
828/1316
The New Year’s Eve gala at the Worthingtons included sumptuous meals, a
full orchestra, and even a practitioner of
PRESTIDIGITATION who amazed the
children with her performance.
ANTONYMS
palpable (PAL-puh-bull). Capable of
being touched, felt, or handled; tangible.
“Popular opinions, on subjects not
PALPABLE to sense, are often true, but
seldom or never the whole truth.”—John
Stuart Mill, English ethical theorist
tangible (TAN-juh-bull). Able to be
touched or felt by hand; having form and
substance; real or actual; definite.
829/1316
“The distinctive nature of a child is to
always live in the TANGIBLE
present.”—John Ruskin, English writer
and critic
N
138. Nanosecond
(NAN-uh-sek-uhnd), noun
A time period equal to one billionth of a
second.
ADJECTIVES
impulse.
831/1316
lewdness of the sleeping mind.”—John
Cheever, American novelist
ephemeral (eh-FEM-er-uhl). Shortlived; temporary; fleeting.
“There remain some truths too
EPHEMERAL to be captured in the cold
pages of a court transcript.”—Irving
Kaufman, Chief Judge, United States
Court of Appeals
temporal (tem-POR-uhl). Relating to
time.
“Science is the language of the
TEMPORAL world; love is that of the
spiritual world.”—Honoré de Balzac,
French novelist and playwright
832/1316
yare (YAIR). Quick and agile; lively.
Thanks to the gymnastics she performed
at finishing school, Amanda has a YARE
and limber body.
NOUNS
of astonishing.
celerity (suh-LAIR-ih-tee). Speed; swiftness of action or motion.
I will carry out your orders with
CELERITY, sir.
833/1316
tempo (TEM-po). The speed or pace of
something (particularly of music).
Our aerobics instructor will only play
music with a fast TEMPO and a strong
beat, although there are times, generally
after a hard day at work, when I feel like
introducing her to the wonders of
Mantovani.
ANTONYMS
interminably (in-TUR-min-uh-blee).
Seemingly without end or going on for an
indeterminate period of time.
“The body dies; the body’s beauty lives. /
So evenings die, in their green going, / A
wave, INTERMINABLY flowing.”—Wallace Stevens, American modernist poet
834/1316
languid (LANG-gwid). Characterized by
weakness and fatigue; or, lacking spirit
and animation.
“In doing good, we are generally cold,
and LANGUID, and sluggish; and of all
things afraid of being too much in the
right.”—Edmund Burke, Anglo-Irish
statesman, orator, and author
sedentary (SED-n-tair-ee). Resting a
great deal and taking little exercise.
All we have to do is hire a personal
trainer if our SEDENTARY habits begin
to have negative effects on our wellbeing.
uniformitarianism (yu-ni-for-mihTAIR-ee-uh-niz-uhm). The belief that
change on Earth takes place slowly,
835/1316
gradually, and at a uniform rate rather
than through short, sudden, catastrophic
events.
The fact that the families of our servants
have been with us for many, many generations would seem to be proof of
UNIFORMITARIANISM.
139. Narrow-minded
(NAIR-oh-MYN-did), adjective
Limited in outlook; bigoted; not receptive
to new ideas.
836/1316
ADJECTIVES
bourgeois (boor-ZHWAH). Pertaining or
relating to middle-class values; conventional viewpoints.
“The representation of the garrison thus
turned out to be incomparably more
moderate and BOURGEOIS than the soldier masses.”—Leon Trotsky, Bolshevik
revolutionary and Marxist theorist
doctrinaire (DOK-truh-NAIR). To apply
theories without consideration for practical problems; impractically visionary;
dictatorial.
When he returned from the management
workshop, Dave was somewhat less
837/1316
DOCTRINAIRE in his approach with the
team.
Arthur can be rather HIDEBOUND when
pontificating on the virtues of the classic
era versus the condition of the automobile
industry at present.
myopic (my-AHP-ik). Narrow-mindedness or short-sightedness in one’s views;
lack of discernment.
Your MYOPIC views will win you few
votes during the election, senator.
parochial (puh-ROH-kee-uhl). Very
restricted in outlook; narrow views.
838/1316
They may talk “big picture” but voters
can generally be counted on to express
PAROCHIAL views at the ballot box.
provincial (pruh-VIN-shuhl). Having the
characteristics of someone unsophisticated; limited in outlook.
From his PROVINCIAL outlook on life,
you would never guess that Paul attended
an Ivy League college.
puritanical (pyoor-ih-TAN-ih-kuhl).
Extremely or excessively strict in matters
of morals and religion.
Judith could almost see the
PURITANICAL fire in her mother’s eyes
when they started to discuss dating
habits.
839/1316
sectarian (seck-TAIR-ee-un). Narrowminded and limited in outlook.
The competing cliques’ SECTARIAN
squabbles captured the interest of the
entire school.
NOUNS
Babbitt (BAB-it). A person who clings to
narrow-minded, materialistic ideals of the
middle class; the main character in Sinclair Lewis’s novel Babbitt (1922).
Jerome may not be the most openminded businessman, but he’s no
BABBITT.
840/1316
ANTONYMS
catholic (KATH-uh-lik). Having broad
sympathies or understanding; universal in
extent; liberal.
Margaret’s CATHOLIC taste in art was
well known, and her house was an explosion of styles and genres.
cosmopolitan (koz-muh-POL-ih-tuhn).
Belonging to the whole world, not national
or local; a person who is free from local or
provincial bias.
“To be really COSMOPOLITAN, a man
must be at home even in his own country.”—Thomas W. Higginson, American
clergyman and author
841/1316
140. Necessary
(NESS-uh-sare-ee), adjective
That which cannot be dispensed with;
essential; indispensable.
ADJECTIVES
de rigueur (duh-rih-GUR). Strictly
required by etiquette, taste, fashion, or
usage.
Since black tie and tails were DE
RIGUEUR for the social events his new
wife attended regularly, Julian found
himself buying a tuxedo for the first time
in his life.
842/1316
inherent (in-HAIR-unt). Intrinsic;
necessary; an important or essential part
of something.
Dwayne’s INHERENT reluctance to
entrust newcomers with tasks of any significance was a major problem for the
company.
NOUNS
manifest destiny (MAN-ih-fest-DESStin-ee). Expansion into foreign lands, justified as being necessary or benevolent.
“It’s not greed and ambition that makes
wars—it’s goodness. Wars are always
fought for the best of reasons, for liberation or MANIFEST DESTINY, always
against tyranny and always in the best
843/1316
interests of humanity.”—James Garner in
The Americanization of Emily
requisite (REK-wiz-it). A mandatory
action, requirement, or condition; or,
necessary and mandatory.
Being physically fit is a REQUISITE for
getting a job as a fireman.
sine qua non (sin-uh kwah NON). An
essential feature (of something).
Many people consider a happy ending to
be the SINE QUA NON of a proper
comedy.
VERBS
necessitate (nuh-SESS-ih-tayt). To make
necessary; to obligate.
844/1316
“Each coming together of man and wife,
even if they have been mated for many
years, should be a fresh adventure; each
winning should NECESSITATE a fresh
wooing.”—Marie Carmichael Stopes,
British scientist and birth-control pioneer
ANTONYMS
extrinsic (eks-TRINZ-ik). Not part of the
true nature of something; not essential.
The revolution was less of a spontaneous
eruption of anger against capitalism as a
system, and more of a reaction to
EXTRINSIC forces like the constant oil
shortages that came about because of
international sanctions.
845/1316
gratuitous (gruh-TOO-ih-tuss). Unnecessary; inappropriately excessive;
uncalled for.
His GRATUITOUS attacks on the popular
governor only weakened his standing
among voters.
obviate (OB-vee-ayt). To anticipate, and
therefore prevent, difficulties or disadvantages; make unnecessary.
The research department provided sufficient data, thus the problem was
OBVIATED before it reached crisis
proportions.
rigmarole (RIG-muh-roll). Absurdly
complicated procedures and instructions.
846/1316
The club had some value to him in business, but he quickly grew tired of all the
RIGMAROLE at meetings.
superfluous (soo-PER-flew-us). Excessive and unnecessary.
Some people never seem to be aware that
wearing more than a hint of fine jewelry
is SUPERFLUOUS.
141. Necromancy
(NEH-kroh-man-see), noun
The ability to gain new knowledge by communicating with the dead; magic and
trickery in general.
847/1316
ADJECTIVES
Faustian (FOW-stee-in). Evil; malicious;
dark and brooding with malevolent intent;
demonic; satanic; having sold one’s soul
to the devil—metaphorically or literally—in exchange for wealth and power.
In the movie The End of Days, a group of
police officers make a FAUSTIAN bargain with Satan himself.
“You were preceded by your NEFARIOUS
reputation,” the sheriff said to the gunslinger who had just sidled up to the bar.
848/1316
nether (NETH-ur). Located below or
under something else.
“I know a lady in Venice would have
walked barefoot to Palestine for a touch
of his NETHER lip.”—William
Shakespeare
sacred.
849/1316
SACRILEGIOUS.
NOUNS
entity.
atheist and all.
frisson (FREE-son). A sudden strong
feeling of excitement, conflict, or danger.
“Pregnant women! They had that weird
FRISSON, an aura of magic that
850/1316
combined awkwardly with an earthy
sense of duty.”—Ruth Morgan, American
novelist
Gnosticism (NAH-stih-sih-zim). The
religious belief that salvation is attained
through secret knowledge rather than
through prayer, ritual, faith, divine grace,
or good works.
Many of the key principles of Christianity
were formed as a direct response to
GNOSTICISM.
legerdemain (le-juhr-duh-MAYN).
Magic tricks; or, generally speaking, trickery and deception.
851/1316
LEGERDEMAIN.
thaumaturge (THAW-mah-turj). A person who works miracles.
If you were ever to see Hannah early in
the morning, just after she has awoken,
then you would know Hannah’s personal
make-up artist is the epitome of a
THAUMATURGE.
VERBS
gorgonize (GORE-guh-nize). To paralyze
or mesmerize with one’s looks or
personality.
Even without her family’s wealth and
connections, Marla would likely
852/1316
GORGONIZE all the men who enter her
orbit.
ANTONYMS
panacea (pan-uh-SEE-uh). A universal
solution for all problems, diseases, or
woes.
Parents today see buying their kids
everything they want as a PANACEA for
misery, boredom, and unhappiness.
phoenix (FEE-nix). A mythical bird
about the size of an eagle, but with brilliantly colored plumage, that dies by fire
and then is reborn from the ashes.
One day the PHOENIX appeared in the
forests of France, and legend has it that
853/1316
all the other birds become instantly
jealous.
sacrosanct (SACK-roh-sankt). Beyond
criticism because it is considered sacred.
“If men could get pregnant, maternity
benefits would be as SACROSANCT as the
G.I. Bill.”—Letty Cottin Pogrebin, American editor and writer
142. Novice
(NOV-iss), noun
One who is new to a profession, trade, or
sport; a beginner.
854/1316
ADJECTIVES
callow (KAL-oh). Lacking experience,
immature.
Ellis, a CALLOW youth accompanying
Madame Hempstead, seemed not to
understand that his joke about the
ambassador’s choice of underwear was
inappropriate for a state dinner.
fledgling (FLEJ-ling). Young or
inexperienced.
The FLEDGLING reporter had little
respect around the newsroom.
puerile (PYOO-er-ill). Immature, babyish, infantile.
855/1316
“An admiral whose PUERILE vanity has
betrayed him into a testimonial… [is] sufficient to lure the hopeful patient to his
purchase.”—Samuel Hopkins Adams,
American journalist
NOUNS
abecedarian (a-bee-see-DAIR-ee-un). A
beginner; someone just learning the rudiments of a task, skill, job, etc.
Paul is an expert in a sea kayak, but
when it comes to snow skiing, he’s an
ABECEDARIAN.
ingénue (AHN-zhuh-noo). From the
French, meaning “naive,” an actress who
specializes in playing the part of an innocent or unworldly young woman.
856/1316
“I always chose sophisticated parts
because you can’t really be interesting as
a young girl or outstanding as an
INGÉNUE.”—Norma Shearer, American
actress
juvenilia (joo-vuh-NILL-yuh). Early
work by a creative artist, usually produced
when the artist was young.
Lorna turned toward the stock market
and away from poetry after we read her
JUVENILIA and laughed uproariously.
neophyte (NEE-uh-fyt). A recent convert; someone whose newfound zeal is not
balanced by experience.
“Like footmen and upstairs maids, wine
stewards are portrayed as acolytes of the
privileged, ever eager to intimidate the
857/1316
NEOPHYTE and spurn the
unwary.”—Frank J. Prial, former New
York Times wine columnist
parvenu (PAR-veh-noo). Someone who
has recently gained wealth, prestige, or an
important position but has not yet figured
out how to act appropriately in that new
position.
Jed Clampett, of classic television’s
Beverly Hillbillies, is a great example of a
PARVENU.
protégé (PRO-tuh-zhay). Someone aided
by another influential person; a person
who is protected, encouraged, or helped
(for instance, in career matters) by
another of superior status or rank.
858/1316
Harry was always willing to mentor new
hires and would often seek out a willing
PROTÉGÉ to support.
tenderfoot (TEN-der-foot). A newcomer.
Walking into the project team meeting,
Alice hoped that she didn’t look like a
complete TENDERFOOT.
tyro (TIE-roh). From the Latin, meaning
“recruit,” a beginner or a novice.
Though a TYRO, Madeline quickly
mastered cross-country skiing during her
jaunt to Switzerland.
whelp (hwelp). The offspring of a female
dog or of certain other animals.
Dorothy thought it amusing to refer to
her new assistant by the term “WHELP.”
859/1316
wunderkind (VOON-der-kinnd). One
who succeeds in business, or a similar
endeavor, at a comparatively young age.
Alex would be a WUNDERKIND in the
firm even without his father’s
connections.
yearling (YEER-ling). An animal that has
entered its second year; also, a horse that
is one year old, dating from the beginning
of the year following its foaling.
Many of our family’s racehorses are
YEARLINGS, which we put to pasture
after their retirement.
ANTONYMS
particular pursuit.
860/1316
Years of experience have made Janet an
ADROIT organizer and her events are
always flawless.
doyen/doyenne (doy-EN). A man or
woman who is the senior member of a
group, based on rank, age, experience, etc.
Though she is the youngest member of
our group, Brittany is our DOYENNE,
based on her extensive family
connections.
O
143. Obeisance
(oh-BAY-since), noun
Deferential respect or homage, or an act
or gesture expressing the same.
ADJECTIVES
adulatory (ADJ-uh-luh-tor-e). Complimentary; giving of effusive praise.
author
862/1316
common strangers.
fulsome (FULL-sum). Excessively praising or flattering.
Katie’s introduction of the keynote
speaker was so FULSOME that he led his
speech with a few self-effacing remarks.
NOUNS
appeasement (ah-PEEZ-meant). The act
of making others happy by agreeing to
their demands.
863/1316
with more respect.
capitulation (kuh-pitch-uh-LAY-shun).
The act of surrendering or giving up.
Ross offered James no CAPITULATION
during the confrontational lacrosse
game.
864/1316
hagiography (hag-ee-OG-ruh-fee). A
biography that idealizes its subject.
The Van Gelders were disappointed with
the volume written about their illustrious
descendants because the book fell far
short of being a HAGIOGRAPHY.
VERBS
and fears.
transcendentalist
865/1316
kowtow (KOW-tow). To give in to
someone’s every wish; to grovel and
behave in a subservient manner.
Amy told Andrew that she was sick and
tired of KOWTOWING to his every need.
ANTONYMS
reproach or discredit upon through one’s
words or actions.
“Man’s constant need to DISPARAGE
woman, to humble her, to deny her equal
rights, and to belittle her achievements—all are expressions of his innate
envy and fear.”—Elizabeth Gould Davis,
American feminist and author
866/1316
excoriate (ik-SKORE-ee-ayt). To criticize; to attempt to censure or punish.
We EXCORIATED Melanie for inviting
people with no family connections to her
birthday party.
144. Obstruct
(uhb-STRUKT), verb
To block or stop up with obstacles or
impediments; bar; hinder.
867/1316
VERBS
encumber (en-KUHM-ber). To load
something—or someone—down with burdens; in legal terms, to place a lien on
something.
You can’t lift your backpack if you
ENCUMBER it with all sorts of stuff you
don’t need!
fetter (FET-er). To put restraints on;
confine.
Unnatural fears FETTER David’s imagination and keep him locked inside his
house.
impede (im-PEED). To obstruct progress; to block.
868/1316
The fire regulations are quite clear on the
question of storage in this hallway; nothing is allowed to IMPEDE access to the
main exit.
mire (MYR). To cause to be stuck in
mire; hamper; hold back.
In the early going, the administration
found itself MIRED in issues far from its
stated goal of improving the economy.
occlude (uh-KLOOD). To block or
obstruct; to close off a passage or
entranceway.
Debris from the second-floor construction
OCCLUDES the entryway to the laundry
room in Linda’s beach house.
869/1316
stymie (STY-mee). To thwart; to prevent
(another) from achieving a goal.
The reporter’s attempts to get to the bottom of the scandal were STYMIED by the
refusal of the principals to talk to
him—either on or off the record.
trammel (TRAM-uhl). To entangle; confine; restrain.
Jason is an intelligent person, so it surprised us when he explained his theory
that education TRAMMELS the thought
process.
ANTONYMS
expedite (EK-spi-dyt). To speed up or
make easy the progress of; hasten;
facilitate.
870/1316
“The art of statesmanship is to foresee the
inevitable and to EXPEDITE its occurrence.”—Charles M. de Talleyrand,
French statesman
precipitate (pri-SIP-ih-tayt). To hasten
the occurrence of; to cause to happen
before expected.
“It is always one’s virtues and not one’s
vices that PRECIPITATE one’s disaster.”—Rebecca West, English writer
145. Ogle
(OH-guhl), verb
To look at in an amorous or impertinent
way.
871/1316
ADJECTIVES
amatory (AM-uh-tore-ee). Having to do
with sexual love.
Pete hasn’t stopped sulking since Alice
spurned his AMATORY advances at the
office Christmas party.
besotted (bih-SOT-ed). Made foolish,
stupid, or dull due to an infatuation with
love, money, the pursuit of power, etc.
Aline thinks Jake is BESOTTED with her,
but he’s really BESOTTED with her
father’s stock portfolio.
salacious (suh-LAY-shuss). Having an
unhealthy, obsessive, or addictive interest
in sex.
872/1316
For weeks, the society pages were rife
with SALACIOUS gossip, which turned
out to originate from Mallory, who had
lost her beau to Jeannette.
NOUNS
Unbridled lust in the extreme—horniness.
fountain of CONCUPISCENCE.”—Mario
Acevedo, American fantasy author
coquette (ko-KET). A woman who
dresses promiscuously or flirts excessively
to make men think she is sexually available when in fact she has no intention of
sleeping with them.
873/1316
Marla doesn’t intend to play the
COQUETTE at society balls, but her
alluring looks attract other debutantes’
dates constantly.
dalliance (DAL-ee-ance). A brief, casual
flirtation with or interest in someone or
something; the act of tarrying rather than
proceeding swiftly and deliberately.
Her DALLIANCE with the pool boy made
her husband angry and jealous.
roué (roo-AY). A dissolute man in fashionable society; a rake.
“A pretty wife is something for the fastidious vanity of a ROUÉ to retire
upon.”—Thomas Moore, Irish poet and
songwriter
874/1316
satyr (SAY-ter). A lascivious, lecherous
man.
Harold’s graceful manners disappear
once he has had a few glasses of champagne, and he becomes a veritable
SATYR.
ANTONYMS
chivalry (SHIV-ul-ree). Brave, kind,
courteous, or gentlemanly behavior.
“We hear much of CHIVALRY of men
towards women; but… it vanishes like
dew before the summer sun when one of
us comes into competition with the manly
sex.”—Martha Coston, American author
uxorious (uhk-SAWR-ee-us). Doting on
one’s wife to an excessive degree.
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“The same things change their names at
such a rate; / For instance—passion in a
lover’s glorious, / But in a husband is
pronounced UXORIOUS.”—Lord Byron,
British Romantic poet
146. Opinion
(uh-PIN-yuhn), noun
A belief not based on absolute certainty or
real knowledge but on what seems to be
true, valid, or likely to one’s own mind;
what one thinks; judgment.
876/1316
ADJECTIVES
heterodox (HET-uh-ruh-docks). Holding unorthodox opinions, especially opinions concerned with religion.
I believe George will grow out of his
HETERODOX beliefs as he gets older.
NOUNS
manifesto (man-ih-FESS-toe). A public
declaration of one’s intentions or motives,
typically of a political nature.
Instead of galvanizing the crowd to
action, the poet’s MANIFESTO collapsed
the audience in laughter.
877/1316
obiter dictum (OB-ih-ter DIK-tuhm).
An incidental opinion or remark; an incidental and nonbinding remark expressed
by a judge.
Frank couldn’t refrain from offering an
OBITER DICTUM every time we made a
turn without consulting the map.
pundit (PUN-dit). A person who gives
opinions as an authority.
The conservative political PUNDITS had
all decreed that Obama would be
defeated in a head-to-head contest with
Mitt Romney, but the voters had other
ideas.
vox populi (VOKS-POP-yu-lye). Expression of the prevailing mood, concerns, and
opinions in a country.
878/1316
In response to an environmentally
friendly VOX POPULI, more and more
corporations are “going green.”
VERBS
concur (kun-KUR). To agree; to share
the same opinion.
The prosecutor felt that Jim’s crime
deserved the maximum penalty, but the
judge did not CONCUR.
counsel (KOWN-sul). To discuss ideas or
opinions.
Katrina’s advisor was always available
to COUNSEL her about work-related
issues.
opine (oh-PYNE). To give an opinion.
879/1316
The way that Charlotte OPINES about
fashion, you’d think she created couture
rather than just purchased it.
ANTONYMS
apathetic (ap-uh-THET-ik). Feeling no
emotion; not interested; indifferent.
“He wasn’t exactly hostile to facts, but he
was APATHETIC about them.”—Wolcott
Gibbs, American writer
egocentric (ee-goh-SEN-trik). Viewing
everything in relation to oneself; having
little regard for interests other than one’s
own.
We are conditioned to anticipate the
EGOCENTRIC Hollywood celebrity, and
they rarely disappoint.
880/1316
147. Opposite
(OP-uh-zit), adjective
In opposition to; exactly contrary in relation to.
ADJECTIVES
antipodal (an-TIP-uh-del). Directly
opposite; completely opposed.
As a youngster, Harry was convinced he
could dig his way to Ohio’s ANTIPODAL
point, China.
bipolar (by-POE-luhr). Possessing two
sides or poles; marked by diametrically
881/1316
opposed extremes; a relationship between
two opposites or counterparts.
Frank’s behavior on the job was generally unremarkable, but we later learned
that his severe mood swings were symptoms of a BIPOLAR personality disorder.
disparate (dis-PER-iht). Describes two
or more things that differ greatly from one
another and cannot be logically
reconciled.
“As if, as if, as if the DISPARATE halves /
Of things were waiting in a betrothal
known / To none.”—Wallace Stevens,
American modernist poet
inimical (ih-NIM-ih-kull). Working in
opposition to your goal; having a harmful
882/1316
effect, particularly on an enterprise or
endeavor.
Clarissa’s work ethic is INIMICAL to
earning an advanced degree in botany.
NOUNS
antithesis (an-TITH-ih-siss). The exact
opposite; a thing that is completely different from another thing.
He tries so hard to be smooth, but Charles
is the ANTITHESIS of cool.
antonym (AN-tuh-nim). A word having
an opposite meaning to that of another
word.
“Rapid” and “slow” are ANTONYMS.
883/1316
brummagem (BRUHM-uh-juhm).
Describes something that looks great but
performs poorly.
“Our press is certainly bankrupt in… reverence for nickel plate and
BRUMMAGEM.”—Mark Twain
dichotomy (dy-KOT-uh-me). Division
into two parts, especially into two seemingly contradictory parts.
A DICHOTOMY between good and evil is
present in every human heart.
ANTONYMS
coequal (koh-EE-kwuhl). Equal with
another in ability, extent, etc.
The United States Congress is COEQUAL
to the executive branch of government.
884/1316
fungible (FUN-jih-bull). Freely
exchangeable for another of like nature;
interchangeable.
Stella was incensed to find that diamonds
are not FUNGIBLE commodities.
P
148. Pallid
(PAL-id), adjective
A wan, sickly, washed-out appearance
indicating illness or weakness, or lack of
energy, strength, and vitality.
ADJECTIVES
unsure about a making a decision or taking an action; lacking confidence and
boldness.
886/1316
Bentley.
ethereal (eh-THEER-ee-uhl). Light and
airy; possessing a heavenly or celestial
quality.
“ETHEREAL, their mauve / almost a
transparent gray, / their dark veins
bruise-blue.”—Denise Levertov, Britishborn American poet
and animation.
887/1316
wan (WAWN). Showing or suggesting ill
health or unhappiness.
“So shaken as we are, so WAN with care,
/ Find we a time for frighted peace to
pant.”—William Shakespeare
NOUNS
melanin (MEL-uh-nin). The pigment
that determines the color of one’s hair,
eyes, and skin.
Tamara is unwilling to accept that, no
matter how much time she spends on the
sunny beaches of the Mediterranean, she
will not achieve her desired tan due to her
lack of MELANIN.
888/1316
miasma (my-AZ-mah). An unhealthy
atmosphere or environment; an unpleasant feeling pervading the air.
“These appearances, which bewilder you,
are merely electrical phenomena not
uncommon—or it may be there they have
their ghastly origin in the rank MIASMA
of the tarn”—Edgar Allan Poe, American
author and poet
VERBS
Earth.
889/1316
ANTONYMS
florid (FLOOR-id). Excessively ornate
and showy, as prose.
“All men are really most attracted by the
beauty of plain speech, and they even
write in a FLORID style in imitation of
this.”—Henry David Thoreau, American
refulgent (rih-FULL-jent). Radiant,
gleaming; shining brightly.
890/1316
When Anastasia moved her bejeweled
hand while lounging in the midday sunshine, her sparkling diamonds were
REFULGENT.
stygian (STY-gee-an). So dark as to be
almost pitch black.
“STAND close around, ye STYGIAN set, /
With Dirce in one boat convey’d! / Or
Charon, seeing, may forget / That he is
old and she a shade”—Walter Savage
Landor, British writer and poet
tenebrous (TEN-uh-bruss). Dark and
gloomy.
Eloise and Marcus spent the day exploring the TENEBROUS forest that surrounded their family’s Maine compound.
891/1316
149. Pandemic
(pan-DEM-ik), noun
An outbreak of a disease that threatens to
spread rapidly and endanger the population of an entire nation or planet.
ADJECTIVES
bereaved (beh-REEVD). In a state of
grief as the result of the death of someone
loved.
“Laughter would be BEREAVED if snobbery died.”—Peter Ustinov, British writer
and dramatist
892/1316
endemic (en-DEM-ik). Widespread, as a
condition or characteristic found in a certain region, area, or group.
Affluence and influence seem to be just
ENDEMIC to our group.
irremediable (eer-ree-MEE-dee-uhbull). Impossible to cure or remedy.
Sylvia’s outdated concept of couture is
completely IRREMEDIABLE.
ubiquitous (yu-BIK-wih-tuss). Everywhere; all around; constantly surrounding; inescapable.
Wireless communication in the United
States became UBIQUITOUS toward the
close of the twentieth century.
893/1316
unrestrained.
behold.
NOUNS
convalescence (kon-vah-LESS-sense).
The time spent recovering from an illness
and getting back to full health, often while
being taken care of by others.
“CONVALESCENCE is the part that
makes the illness worthwhile.”—George
homeopathy (ho-mee-OP-uh-thee). The
medical practice of giving patients
894/1316
minerals, metals, herbs, and other bioactive compounds in extremely diluted form.
Most modern scientists believe the effectiveness of HOMEOPATHY in some cases
is due mainly to the placebo effect.
nostrum (NAH-strum). An ineffective
solution that is a quick fix or Band-Aid,
covering up a problem or masking its
symptoms, but never addressing its root
cause for a permanent fix.
“America’s present need is not
NOSTRUMS but normalcy.”—Warren G.
Harding
895/1316
VERBS
metastasize (meh-TASS-tih-size). To
spread harmfully from an original source,
as with cancer cells.
Byron’s ugly nature quickly
METASTASIZED in our group, as he
spread lies and gossip among more and
more of our social contacts.
permeate (PUR-mee-ayt). To penetrate;
to spread throughout.
The scent of Donna’s exclusive perfume
quickly PERMEATED the entrance hall of
the Blakelys’ stately home.
896/1316
mathematician
ANTONYMS
rarefied (RAIR-uh-fyed). Lofty; exalted;
of high class or caliber.
897/1316
Most copywriters don’t operate in the
RAREFIED environment in which
Clayton makes his millions.
salubrious (suh-LOO-bree-us). Favorable to one’s health.
After father’s asthma reasserted itself, the
family began to spend more time at its
Arizona compound because of the area’s
dry weather, which is SALUBRIOUS
toward asthmatics.
150. Persuade
(pur-SWAYD), verb
To influence a person to an action, belief,
etc.; to urge or induce; to convince
through reasoning.
898/1316
ADJECTIVES
tendentious (ten-DEN-shuss). Promoting one’s beliefs or point of view.
Laura is TENDENTIOUS in extolling her
belief in the efficacy of prayer in healing
all illnesses.
NOUNS
leverage (LEHV-er-ij). Possessing an
advantage or extra degree of influence in a
given situation.
With his family’s connections, Eldridge
required no LEVERAGE to obtain a sinecure in the financial industry.
899/1316
VERBS
adumbrate (ADD-um-brayt). To suggest
or disclose something partially.
The factory workers were nervous when
they learned the owner had
ADUMBRATED a plan for layoffs.
blandish (BLAN-dish). To coax someone
to do something for you through the use of
flattery.
Your attempts to BLANDISH me into giving in to your point of view will not work.
inveigle (in-VAY-gull). To convince or
persuade someone through trickery, dishonesty, or flattery.
Craig INVEIGLED the dean to allow him
to graduate even though he failed to meet
900/1316
the foreign language requirement of the
university.
jawbone (JAW-bone). To attempt to get
someone to do something through persuasion rather than by force.
No matter how much he JAWBONED,
Karl could not get Alison to sell her stock
prior to the unveiling of the company’s
disastrous new line of parvenu fashion.
posit (PAWZ-it). To suggest or propose a
theory or explanation, especially one that
represents new, unusual, or nonobvious
thinking and conclusions.
Astronomers POSIT that Jupiter may
sustain life in its clouds.
901/1316
ANTONYMS
dissuade (dih-SWADE). To convince to
take alternate action; to advise against.
Marge DISSUADED her brother from
joining the army.
151. Phobia
(FO-bee-uh), noun
An irrational, excessive, and persistent
fear of a particular thing or situation.
NOUNS
acrophobia (ak-ruh-FO-bee-uh). An
abnormal fear of heights.
902/1316
Of course, his ACROPHOBIA ruled out
any ride in the hot-air balloon.
monophobia (mon-uh-FOE-bee-uh). An
abnormal dread of being alone.
Susan’s MONOPHOBIA never manifested
until she moved to a different city to start
a new job.
nyctophobia (nik-toh-FO-bee-uh). A
severe fear of the dark.
William never outgrew his
NYCTOPHOBIA and still sleeps with the
light on.
ochlophobia (ok-luh-FO-bee-uh). An
illogical fear or dread of crowds.
Betty never realized she suffered from
OCHLOPHOBIA until she moved to the
903/1316
city, where she had great difficulty walking to and from work during rush hour.
ophidiophobia (oh-fid-ee-oh-FO-beeuh). An abnormal fear of snakes.
My father wasn’t afraid of much, but his
well-developed case of OPHIDIOPHOBIA
indicated a bad experience with snakes at
some point in his youth.
taphephobia (taff-uh-FOE-bee-uh). The
abnormal fear of being buried alive.
After seeing the final scene of that horror
film, The Grave Claims Its Own, I couldn’t
sleep, and I had an inkling of what it
must be like to suffer from
TAPHEPHOBIA.
904/1316
trypanophobia (try-pan-uh-FO-beeuh). An abnormal fear of medical procedures involving injections or hypodermic
needles.
My nephew, suffering from
TRYPANOPHOBIA, considered terminating his education before high school so as
to avoid the physical exam.
xenophobia (zee-nuh-FOE-bee-uh).
Having an irrational fear or hatred of foreigners and immigrants.
905/1316
ANTONYMS
impavid (im-PAV-id). Not afraid;
fearless.
Our IMPAVID guide was not averse to
tangling with snakes, spiders, scorpions,
or any other nasty and intimidating
creature we encountered on the trip.
valiant (VAL-yuhnt). Brave; courageous;
stout-hearted.
“Cowards die many times before their
deaths; the VALIANT never taste death
but once.”—William Shakespeare, English
dramatist
152. Place
(PLAYSS), noun
906/1316
Defined portion of space that can be occupied, whether actually or virtually; area or
location real or imagined.
NOUNS
domicile (DOM-ih-syl). A residence;
one’s legal, permanent home.
The defendant at that time had no
DOMICILE, your honor; she was a homeless person.
environs (en-VY-ruhnz). The area surrounding a town or city; suburbs; vicinity.
Washington D.C. and its ENVIRONS contain as many lobbyists as government
workers.
907/1316
epicenter (EP-ih-cen-tuhr). The spot on
the surface of the Earth directly above the
site where an earthquake occurs; the focal
point or origin of an activity, event, fad,
etc.
I wonder when it was that Seattle became
the EPICENTER of gourmet coffee.
hinterland (HIN-ter-land). An area bordering on a coast or river; inland region;
an area removed from populated areas;
back country.
Tired of the pressures and compromises
of urban living, Martha moved her family
to the more gentle HINTERLAND.
hovel (HUV-ul). A modest, humble home
or hut; a rude or dirty dwelling place.
908/1316
In the storm scenes of King Lear, Edward
is disguised as Poor Tom, a lunatic who
has sought shelter in a HOVEL on the
barren heath.
natatorium (nay-tuh-TOR-ee-um). An
indoor swimming pool.
Although he had swum in hundreds of
venues, Melvin still had a dream of competing in the world’s largest
NATATORIUM.
periphery (puh-RIFF-uh-ree). The area
at the extreme of a given boundary.
There among the homeless, at the furthest
periphery of society, Maria found her
calling.
909/1316
pied-à-terre (pyay-duh-TARE). A
second home or apartment, usually small,
used as a place to stay for short trips to
the location in lieu of renting a hotel
room.
Alison and her family acquired a PIED-ÀTERRE in the city because her work often
requires her to spend days at corporate
headquarters.
sanctum (SANK-tum). A holy, sacred
place; a private place; retreat.
Brandon’s small home office contained
little more than a computer, an encyclopedia, and a few pieces of furniture, but it
was in this unprepossessing SANCTUM
that he wrote his Pulitzer Prize–winning
play.
910/1316
VERBS
egress (ee-GRESS). Exit; to go out; to
leave a place.
The stewardess’s earnest request that we
try to EGRESS from the burning plane in
an orderly fashion had little effect.
ANTONYMS
abyss (uh-BISS). A bottomless gulf; deep
fissure; vast chasm; anything profound or
infinite.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it
that in the process he does not become a
monster. And if you gaze long enough
into an abyss, the ABYSS will gaze back
into you.”—Friedrich Nietzsche, German
philosopher
911/1316
vacuity (va-KYOO-ih-tee). The state of
emptiness; without contents.
“Once you fully apprehend the VACUITY
of a life without struggle, you are
equipped with the basic means of salvation.”—Tennessee Williams, American
playwright
153. Poor
(PAWR), adjective
Lacking material possessions; having little
or no means to support oneself;
impoverished.
912/1316
ADJECTIVES
destitute (DES-ti-toot). Without the
means of self-support; unable to subsist.
“When a rich man becomes poor it is a
misfortune, it is not a moral evil. When a
poor man becomes DESTITUTE, it is a
moral evil, teeming with consequences
and injurious to society and morality.”—Lord Acton, English thinker and
professor
impecunious (im-puh-KYOON-ee-us).
To be poor or broke; to have little or no
money.
Alex has been raving about his
IMPECUNIOUS state ever since his trust
fund was cut.
913/1316
impoverished (im-POV-er-isht).
Reduced to poverty.
“The Pilgrims made seven times more
graves than huts. No Americans have
been more IMPOVERISHED than these
who, nevertheless, set aside a day of
thanksgiving.”—H.U. Westermayer
indigent (IN-dih-junt). Lacking the
essentials of life; impoverished.
At the shelter, I came across many
INDIGENT families who had fallen victim to the failing economy.
penurious (peh-NOOR-ee-uss). Lacking
in means; extremely poor; destitute.
Joan, raised in comfortable surroundings, was not cut out for such a
PENURIOUS lifestyle.
914/1316
proletarian (pro-luh-TAIR-ee-un). The
poorest class of people; the working class.
The politician’s appeals to her
PROLETARIAN constituents earned her
many votes during the election.
ANTONYMS
opulent (OP-yoo-luhnt). Reflecting
wealth and affluence.
Donald Trump showcases his OPULENT
lifestyle by wearing designer suits, drinking Cristal champagne, and traveling in
private airplanes.
154. Powerful
(POW-ur-full), adjective
915/1316
Having or showing great power or force;
mighty; influential; strong.
ADJECTIVES
authoritarian (aw-thor-uh-TAIR-eeun). Describes a form of social control in
which the government demands absolute,
blind assent of its citizens.
The eerie, AUTHORITARIAN world of
George Orwell’s 1984 continues to resonate today.
Herculean (hur-kyuh-LEE-un). Strong
and powerful; reminiscent of the Greek
hero Hercules in vitality.
Robert made a HERCULEAN effort to
complete the project before midnight.
916/1316
omnipotent (om-NIP-uh-tuhnt). All
powerful.
“An OMNIPOTENT God is the only being
with no reason to lie.”—Mason Cooley,
American author
redoubtable (rih-DOW-tuh-bull). The
quality of being a formidable opponent.
Michael’s REDOUBTABLE nature made
him a successful negotiator and trial
attorney.
stalwart (STAL-wart). Strong, steadfast,
loyal; a staunch supporter of a group or
cause.
Although Wayne is no longer a working
engineer, he is a STALWART member of
the American Institute of Chemical
Engineers.
917/1316
vehement (VEE-uh-muhnt). Acting with
great force and energy; intensely emotional; passionate.
Milly, a chronic worry wart, was
VEHEMENT about her children calling
her if they were going to be late getting
home from school.
NOUNS
carte blanche (kart blonsh). Unrestricted power, access, or privilege; permission
to act entirely as one wishes.
Jean had CARTE BLANCHE during her
first month or so as office manager, but
the vice president eventually came to
supervise her much more closely.
918/1316
forte (fort). One’s niche or strong point;
that at which one excels.
Interior decorating was Frank’s FORTE,
but he resisted making a career of it for
fear of what the guys would say.
juggernaut (JUG-ur-not). An object or
force so powerful that it flattens or destroys anything in its path.
The earthquake did some minor structural damage to the city, but the tornado
that followed a week later was a
JUGGERNAUT, destroying every home
and building it touched.
magnate (MAG-nayt). An industrial
leader; a powerful business figure.
919/1316
Your Honor, I am no communications
MAGNATE; I run a small-town
newspaper.
potentate (POH-ten-tayt). A powerful
dictator, king, leader, or ruler.
A much-feared POTENTATE, Victor Von
Doom ruled Latveria with an iron fist.
ANTONYMS
tenuous (TEN-yu-us). Unsubstantiated
and weak.
Roland’s arguments to prove to us that
it’s better to give than to receive were
TENUOUS at best.
920/1316
titular (TITCH-uh-luhr). A person who is
a leader by title only, but lacks any real
power.
The queen is the TITULAR head of the
United Kingdom.
155. Predict
(pri-DIKT), verb
To state in advance; make known beforehand; foretell.
ADJECTIVES
delphic (DELL-fik). Obscurely prophetic.
For years, other economists, reporters,
and just plain folks scrambled to
921/1316
interpret Federal Reserve Chairman Alan
Greenspan’s DELPHIC comments about
the strength or weakness of the economy.
prophetic (pruh-FET-ik). Of or having
the powers of a prophet or prophecy;
predictive.
When I was growing up, my mother
seemed to have a PROPHETIC gift when
it came to predicting my future.
NOUNS
bellwether (BELL-weh-thur). A leader,
or something that indicates future
developments.
We may have to change our plans. I’m
afraid those dark clouds are a
BELLWETHER of today’s weather shifts.
922/1316
bibliomancy (BIB-lee-oh-man-see).
Telling or divining the future using a
book, especially the Bible, through interpretation of a passage chosen at random.
Our experience with the practitioner of
BIBLIOMANCY was brief and
unprofitable.
necromancy (NEH-kroh-man-see). The
ability to gain new knowledge by communicating with the dead; magic and trickery
in general.
“The so-called science of poll-taking is not
a science at all but mere
NECROMANCY.”—E.B. White, American
author
numerology (noo-muh-RAWL-uh-jee).
The supposed practice of divining the
923/1316
future through analyzing the occult significance of numbers.
Judy’s interest in NUMEROLOGY is the
latest in a series of mystic doings; she
was very big on tarot cards last week.
presentiment (prih-ZEN-tuh-ment). A
feeling that something—especially
something bad—is going to happen.
The flight was uneventful, despite Clyde’s
PRESENTIMENT that a mid-air disaster
would occur.
pyromancy (PY-ruh-man-see). Divining
of the future by means of fire or flames.
Brian skillfully parlayed a love of sitting
around camp fires into a profitable business of PYROMANCY.
924/1316
VERBS
augur (AW-ger). To predict or foretell the
future.
The three witches of Shakespeare’s
Macbeth AUGUR the cataclysmic fate of
the play’s titular character.
portend (por-TEND). To suggest or
foretell.
The tone of Joan’s voice this morning
PORTENDS trouble.
prognosticate (prog-NOSS-tih-kayt). To
predict; to foretell the future.
As to the game’s final outcome, I refuse to
PROGNOSTICATE.
925/1316
vaticinate (vuh-TIS-uh-nayt). To
prophesy.
The ominous dark clouds and rising wind
seemed to VATICINATE the end of the
world or just a thunderstorm.
ANTONYMS
myopia (mye-OH-pee-uh). Inability to
see close things clearly; to lack foresight.
My feeling is that by turning down that
project, Fenster showed once again that
he suffers from MYOPIA when it comes to
marketing new consumer products.
156. Pride
(PRYD), noun
926/1316
A sense of one’s own dignity or worth;
self-respect; an overly high opinion of
oneself; self-esteem; conceit; satisfaction
in one’s own achievements, possessions,
children, etc.
ADJECTIVES
grandiose (GRAN-dee-ose). Pompous;
having pretentions or ambitions that
exceed one’s abilities, sensitivities, or
means.
His GRANDIOSE scheme for career
advancement simply will not pan out.
haughty (HOT-ee). Snobbishly proud.
I tried to apologize for bumping into the
woman, but she only gave me a
927/1316
HAUGHTY glance and inspected her fur
coat for damage.
overweening (OH-ver-WEE-ning).
Extremely presumptuous, arrogant, and
overconfident.
“Golf is an open exhibition of
OVERWEENING ambition, courage
deflated by stupidity, skill soured by a
whiff of arrogance.”—Alistair Cooke,
British-born American journalist and
broadcaster
tumid (TOO-mid). Pompous and swollen
with pride.
We cannot stand it when Katherine wins
arguments about couture and art collecting because the TUMID expression that
928/1316
crosses her face after a conversational
victory is so loathsome.
bragging.
NOUNS
hubris (HYOO-briss). Excessive pride.
Colin may have begun as a pleasant and
unassuming clerk, but by the time he took
over the company in 1987 he showed
signs of the HUBRIS that would accompany his downfall.
929/1316
VERBS
pique (peek). To injure a person’s pride
and thereby engender harsh feelings.
Marcia was PIQUED at not having been
invited to the party.
preen (preen). To take pride (in oneself
or one’s accomplishments).
Barry PREENED himself on having
received Broadcaster of the Year awards
for three consecutive years.
ANTONYMS
chagrin (shuh-GRIN). A feeling of disappointment, humiliation, embarrassment,
etc. caused by failure of some kind;
mortification.
930/1316
Much to the team’s CHAGRIN, they could
not score a single point in the entire last
half of the game, and lost to a much
inferior opponent.
contrite (kuhn-TRYT). Crushed in spirit
by a feeling of remorse or guilt.
After the media reported his drunken and
loutish behavior, the actor appeared
CONTRITE but it was clear that he was
sorry only for having been caught.
157. Problem
(PROB-luhm), noun
A question proposed for consideration or
solution; a perplexing or difficult matter.
931/1316
NOUNS
conundrum (kuh-NUN-drum). A riddle
or puzzle.
“I don’t understand anything,” Stan said,
in the months following graduation.
“Now that I’m out on my own, my whole
life is one big CONUNDRUM.”
dilemma (dih-LEM-uh). An argument
necessitating a choice between equally
unfavorable or disagreeable alternatives.
“Our DILEMMA is that we hate change
and love it at the same time; what we
really want is for things to remain the
same but get better.”—Sydney Harris,
American journalist
932/1316
exigency (EKS-ih-jen-see). A condition
of some urgency requiring an immediate
effort to alleviate or solve it.
“We should never despair, our Situation
before has been unpromising and has
changed for the better, so I trust, it will
again. If new difficulties arise, we must
only put forth New Exertions and proportion our Efforts to the EXIGENCY of the
times.”—George Washington
imbroglio (im-BRO-lee-oh). Colloquially
referred to as a “sticky situation”—a predicament that is difficult to get out of.
Our inability to decide which New Year’s
Eve party to attend created an
IMBROGLIO that disrupted our social
calendar for months.
933/1316
parameter (pah-RAM-ih-terr). A factor
or variable that must be taken into
account when solving a problem or understanding a situation.
The weight of Paul’s grand piano is a
PARAMETER that must be considered
when building the mansion’s new music
room and ballroom.
predicament (prih-DIK-ih-muhnt). A
condition or situation that is dangerous,
unpleasant, or embarrassing; quandary.
Having moved in with Max, Alice now
faced the PREDICAMENT of wanting to
be alone.
quagmire (KWAG-myr). A thorny problem for which there is no ready solution; a
934/1316
messy situation from which there is no
expeditious means of escape.
After years of fighting during which no
visible progress occurred, the media and
many vocal opponents started to refer to
the Afghan War as a QUAGMIRE.
ANTONYMS
exposition (ek-spuh-ZISH-uhn). A setting forth of facts; detailed explanation.
“People who lean on logic and philosophy
and rational EXPOSITION end by
starving the best part of the mind.”—William Butler Yeats, Irish dramatist and
poet
935/1316
resolution (rez-uh-LOO-shun). A solving, as of a puzzle; answering, as of a
question; solution.
“Through the centuries, men of law have
been persistently concerned with the
RESOLUTION of disputes in ways that
enable society to achieve its goals with a
minimum of force and maximum of
reason.”—Archibald Cox, American
lawyer
158. Punishment
(PUHN-ish-muhnt), noun
The act or fact of punishing; a penalty
imposed on an offender for a wrongdoing.
936/1316
ADJECTIVES
baculine (BAK-yuh-lin). Concerning a
rod or stick, or with punishment administered with a rod.
It wasn’t that long ago when BACULINE
discipline was common in American
schoolrooms.
NOUNS
ferule (FARE-uhl). A stick used to punish
children; punishment.
Spare the FERULE and spoil the child.
reparations (reh-par-AYE-shuns). Payments made by nations defeated in war to
937/1316
the victors, who impose these payments to
recover some of the costs of battle.
After World War I, REPARATIONS of 132
billion gold marks were imposed on Germany by the French.
forfeiture (FOR-fih-cher). A forfeiting;
payment of a penalty or fine.
The vandal’s FORFEITURE was thirty
days of public service and six months
probation.
mortification (mor-tuh-fi-KAY-shun).
The practice of penitential discipline by
controlling physical desires and passions.
In modern times, the practice of
MORTIFICATION has either decreased
or manifests itself differently from
bygone days.
938/1316
penance (PEN-uhns). A punishment
undertaken or imposed as repentance for
a sin or wrongdoing.
As PENANCE, Matt chose to give up
chocolate ice cream.
retribution (ret-ruh-BYOO-shun).
Punishment (as from God) for past
wrongdoing.
Some saw the Mafia don’s debilitating illness as a form of divine retribution for a
life of crime.
sanction (SANGK-shun). A penalty as
discipline or punishment.
The United Nations imposes SANCTIONS
on countries that violate international
rules or regulations.
939/1316
VERBS
amerce (uh-MERSS). To punish, especially to punish with a monetary amount
set by a court.
Barbara always watches her speed since
she was AMERCED to the tune of a
week’s pay.
ANTONYMS
dispensation (dis-puhn-SAY-shun). A
release from obligation; special exemption
or remission; the suspension of a statute
for extenuating circumstances.
Fortunately for him, William received a
DISPENSATION and he was able to complete the building although it violated use
restrictions of the town.
940/1316
impunity (im-PYOO-nih-tee). Freedom
from punishment or penalty.
We cannot let such an act of naked
aggression stand with IMPUNITY.
Q
159. Quash
(KWAHSH), verb
To repress or subdue completely.
ADJECTIVES
defunct (dih-FUNKT). An institution,
object, etc., that has ceased to exist.
942/1316
hapless (HAP-liss). Unlucky and
unfortunate.
“Exile is the noble and dignified term,
while a refugee is more
HAPLESS.”—Mary McCarthy, American
author
pejorative (pih-JOR-uh-tiv). Insulting;
meant as a put-down or to belittle the
other person.
“Wordsmith” is a corporate term used to
denote someone who is a good writer, but
professional writers see it as
PEJORATIVE.
vapid (VAH-pid). Dull; void of intellectual curiosity or intelligence; lacking spirit
and enthusiasm; dull, routine,
unchallenging.
943/1316
What irked him most about his sister-inlaw was her VAPID stares in response to
simple questions, conversation, and jokes.
NOUNS
bête noire (bett-NWAR). A thing for
which one has an intense dislike or great
fear; a dreaded enemy or foe.
Sunlight was Dracula’s greatest BÊTE
NOIRE.
ordinance (OR-dih-nance). A specific
law or regulation.
The lavish tree house Roger built for his
kids was in clear violation of at least half
a dozen local ORDINANCES.
944/1316
VERBS
impugn (ihm-PYOON). To attack as false
or wrong.
“I do not IMPUGN the motives of any one
opposed to me. It is no pleasure to me to
triumph over any one.”—Abraham
Lincoln
proscribe (pro-SKRYB). To forbid or
prohibit; frequently confused with the
word “prescribe.”
State law PROSCRIBES the keeping of
wild animals as house pets.
quell (KWELL). To suppress or extinguish; or, to quiet one’s own or another’s
anxieties.
945/1316
“O the orator’s joys! / To inflate the chest,
to roll the thunder of the voice out from
the ribs and throat, / To make the people
rage, weep, hate, desire, with yourself, /
To lead America—to QUELL America
with a great tongue.”—Walt Whitman,
raze (RAYZ). To tear down or demolish.
We had to RAZE our Cape Cod home and
rebuild it entirely, due to some structural
damage to the home caused by high
winds.
ANTONYMS
946/1316
inurement (in-UR-ment). Acceptance
without resistance or fighting back of punishment, poor treatment, or unpleasant
circumstances or conditions.
Perhaps others might respond to this
treatment with INUREMENT, Eloise
hissed, but I will buy my diamonds at
another boutique from this point
forward.
947/1316
malleable (MAL-yah-bull). Easily molded into different shapes; easily influenced to change one’s opinion or actions.
transcendentalist
160. Quotidian
(kwo-TID-ee-an), adjective
Familiar; commonplace; nothing out of
the ordinary.
948/1316
ADJECTIVES
colloquial (kah-LOW-kwee-ul).
language.
poet
orthodox (OR-thuh-docks). Mainstream;
949/1316
pro forma (pro-FOR-muh). Standard;
following a commonly accepted format or
process.
“Don’t worry about reading the fine
print,” the manager told the young singer
as he shoved the contract in front of him
and put a pen in his hand. “It’s just PRO
FORMA.”
trumpery (TRUM-puh-ree). Something
without value; a trifle.
The TRUMPERY that the Smythingtons
collect and call “art” is, clearly, distasteful
dreck.
utilitarian (you-till-ih-TAYR-ee-an).
Showing preference for things and ideas
that are practical and utterly pragmatic
while eschewing the fanciful and useless.
950/1316
Paul’s UTILITARIAN mindset makes him
an ideal trader on Wall Street.
NOUNS
ennui (on-WEE). Apathy and lack of
energy caused by boredom and
disinterest.
“And he spoke of ENNUI, of jaded appetites, of nights and days aboard a moonstone vessel as large as a city.”—Harlan
Ellison, American author
homeostasis (ho-me-oh-STAY-sis). A
dynamic system in which balance between
input and output has been achieved, so no
net changes take place.
When HOMEOSTATIS is achieved in a
sealed biosphere, the animals and plants
951/1316
can live without outside air, food, or
water.
ANTONYMS
sanctioned.
American poet
952/1316
maverick (MAH-ver-ik). An unorthodox
or unconventional person who does what
it takes to get things done.
“The rugged individualist is too often
mistaken for the misfit, the MAVERICK,
the spoilsport, the sore thumb.”—Lewis H.
Lapham, former editor of Harper’s
Magazine
ruritanian (roor-ih-TAYNE-ee-in).
Anything related to a romantic adventure
or its environment.
The two lovers found Barbados to be a
RURITANIAN paradise.
R
161. Rash
(RASH), adjective
Acting too hastily without deliberation or
caution; reckless.
ADJECTIVES
brash (brash). Impudent; hasty; acting
impetuously and quickly.
The action you have taken is BRASH; you
will regret your recklessness.
foolhardy (FOOL-har-dee). Rash; hasty;
unthinking.
954/1316
Mack’s FOOLHARDLY decision to leave
his job and visit Trinidad and Tobago for
two years was apparently the result of a
chance encounter with a palm reader he
met in a Greyhound station in West Covina, California.
improvident (ihm-PRAHV-ih-dent).
Not planning for the future; acting
without thinking.
It was cute when he was younger, but
now Mike’s IMPROVIDENT behavior just
makes him look like a total loser.
impulsive (im-PUHL-siv). Inclined to
act without conscious thought.
Teenagers tend to be IMPULSIVE, but
most learn from their actions and grow
up to be rational adults.
955/1316
quixotic (kwik-SOT-ik). Impractical;
foolishly impulsive; rash; unpredictable in
the manner of Cervantes’s character Don
Quixote.
We all loved Arthur dearly, but could not
support his continual QUIXOTIC quests
to save the environment.
reckless (REK-less). Disregarding
consequences.
Jane’s approach to affairs of the heart
was RECKLESS and she invariably paid
a terrible price.
NOUNS
temerity (tuh-MAIR-uh-tee). Rashness;
recklessness.
956/1316
You have the TEMERITY to ask for a
raise after showing up late forty percent
of the time over the last three months?
ANTONYMS
discreet (dih-SKREET). Careful about
what one says or does; prudent.
“We are DISCREET sheep; we wait to see
how the drove is going, and then go with
the drove.”—Mark Twain, American
humorist and writer
judicious (joo-DISH-uhs). Having or
applying sound judgment; wise and
careful.
“Originality is nothing but JUDICIOUS
imitation. The most original writers
957/1316
borrowed from one another.”—Voltaire,
French philosopher and writer
162. Raze
(RAYZ), verb
To tear down or demolish.
ADJECTIVES
asunder (ah-SUN-derr). Split into parts;
separated, as a former union.
His marriage torn ASUNDER, Mike
decided to quit his job, move to Tangiers,
and become a year-round beach bum.
deleterious (dell-ih-TEER-ee-us).
Harmful; damaging.
958/1316
Smoking has been proven to have a
DELETERIOUS effect on one’s health.
defunct (dih-FUNKT). An institution,
object, etc., that has ceased to exist.
NOUNS
cannonade (kan-uh-NAYD). A continuous, relentless bombardment or effort.
A CANNONADE of questioning greeted
Eva’s statement that she was quitting the
club’s tennis team.
959/1316
maelstrom (MAYL-struhm). A situation
marked by violence, turbulence, and
uncertainty.
Many families who lost their fortunes
during the MAELSTROM of the 1929
stock market crash are still trying to
regain their social status today.
tabula rasa (TAB-yuh-luh RAH-suh). A
clean slate; lacking preconceived notions,
prejudices, beliefs, and attitudes; receptive to instruction and information.
“Classic writer’s fear of the blank page:
call it TABULA-RASA-phobia.”—John
Jerome, American nonfiction writer
960/1316
VERBS
out.
make inconspicuous.
961/1316
expunge (eks-PUNJ). To rid oneself of
an annoyance; to cast out; to get rid of; to
forcibly eject.
“There is no man, however wise, who has
not at some period of his youth said
things, or lived in a way the consciousness of which is so unpleasant to him in
later life that he would gladly, if he could,
EXPUNGE it from his memory.”—Marcel
Proust, French novelist, essayist, and
critic
quash (KWAHSH). To repress or subdue
completely.
She quickly QUASHED the rebellion of
the other members of the PTO by reminding them of the superiority of her social
contacts.
962/1316
quell (KWELL). To suppress or extinguish; or, to quiet one’s own or another’s
anxieties.
“O the orator’s joys! / To inflate the chest,
to roll the thunder of the voice out from
the ribs and throat, / To make the people
rage, weep, hate, desire, with yourself, /
To lead America—to QUELL America
with a great tongue.”—Walt Whitman,
ANTONYMS
ameliorate (uh-MEEL-yuh-rayt). To
correct a deficiency or defect; to make
right a wrong; to take actions that make
up, at least in part, for negative actions or
failure to take action previously.
963/1316
After you insulted her mother, I don’t
think even the most expensive piece of
jewelry will be enough to AMELIORATE
your relationship with Marcia.
bulwark (bull-WARK). A defensive, protective barrier, wall, or force.
“Since he aims at great souls, he cannot
miss. But if someone should slander me in
this way, no one would believe him. For
envy goes against the powerful. Yet slight
men, apart from the great, are but a
weak BULWARK.”—Sophocles, Greek
tragedian
immutable (im-MYOO-tuh-bull).
Unchanging; not able to be changed. “I
don’t know what IMMUTABLE differences exist between men and women
964/1316
apart from differences in their genitals.”—Naomi Weisstein, American
feminist
163. Real
(REEL), adjective
Existing or happening in fact; actual; true;
authentic; genuine.
ADJECTIVES
bona fide (BO-nah-fyed). Legitimate, the
real thing, the genuine article.
He may not come across as particularly
intelligent, but Brian’s Phi Beta Kappa
key is, in fact, BONA FIDE.
965/1316
corporeal (kor-PORE-ee-ul). Tangible;
having material existence.
The estate sold the late author’s
CORPOREAL assets, but it retained the
copyright of all his intellectual properties,
both published and unpublished.
de facto (dih-FAK-toe). Existing in fact,
but without official title.
Although we eschew titles, Sasha clearly
is the DE FACTO head of our arts-patronage club.
equable (ECK-wuh-bull). Unvarying,
steady, and free from extremes.
“He spake of love, such love as spirits feel
/ In worlds whose course is EQUABLE
and pure.”—William Wordsworth, British
Romantic poet
966/1316
palpable (PAL-pah-bull). Capable of
being touched, felt, or handled; tangible.
When Alistair did not give Lorissa the
luxury watch she was expecting for her
birthday, the silence was PALPABLE.
veritable (VER-ih-tah-bull). Genuine;
perfect as a specimen or example.
“For me, the child is a VERITABLE image
of becoming, of possibility, poised to
reach towards what is not yet, towards a
growing that cannot be predetermined or
prescribed.”—Maxine Greene, American
philosopher and educator
viable (VY-uh-bull). Capable of occurring
or working; practicable; real; capable of
living.
967/1316
Mike argued quite persuasively that the
only VIABLE solution to the company’s
financial dilemma was for it to go public
and raise money by selling stock.
VERBS
corroborate (kuh-ROB-uh-rayt). To
make more certain; to confirm.
The witness was able to CORROBORATE
the defendant’s testimony.
substantiate (sub-STAN-shee-ayt). To
give substance or true existence to: to
show to be real or true by giving evidence;
prove; confirm.
Jack tried for years to SUBSTANTIATE
his rightful claim to ownership of the
property.
968/1316
vet (VET). To appraise or evaluate for
authenticity.
The campaign manager thoroughly
VETTED the short list of vice presidential
candidates.
ANTONYMS
conjectural (kuhn-JEK-chur-uhl). Of
the nature of guesswork; involving inference and theories.
“The present policy path makes current
promises, at least in real terms, highly
CONJECTURAL.”—Alan Greenspan,
former chairman of the Federal Reserve
incorporeal (in-core-PORE-ee-al). Lacking form.
969/1316
The moanings and low rumblings in the
old house suggested INCORPOREAL visitors to Kate.
164. Reduce
(ri-DOOS), verb
To lessen in any way, such as size,
amount, number etc.
ADJECTIVES
curtate (KUR-tayt). Reduced; shortened;
abbreviated.
The committee could not get a good idea
of the building plans from the CURTATE
descriptions at the luncheon.
970/1316
NOUNS
diminution (dim-ih-NOO-shen). Reduction or decrease due to outside influence.
The stock fell in value by 75 percent in
just over three hours; few issues can fully
recover from such DIMINUTION.
VERBS
abate (uh-BAIT). To reduce or eliminate
a tax, claim, fine, etc.; to diminish,
subside.
John sold his car in February and, when
he received a bill for the year’s excise tax,
asked the town to ABATE the amount.
971/1316
curtail (ker-TALE). To abridge or truncate; to lessen, usually by taking or cutting
away from.
His new office’s 8:00 A.M. meetings
meant Dwight would have to CURTAIL
his late-night television watching.
out.
dilute (die-LOOT). To make something,
such as a mixture, thinner or weaker by
adding additional objects, ingredients,
972/1316
compounds, etc. to it; to reduce force,
strength, or effectiveness of.
Frederica never DILUTES her words.
She’ll tell you exactly how she feels.
extenuate (ik-STEN-yoo-ayt). To reduce
in seriousness, external aspect, or extent;
to make a fault or error less grave.
The case was dismissed because circumstances EXTENUATED his negligence.
ANTONYMS
accretion (uh-KREE-shun). Growth in
size, especially by addition or
accumulation.
“The most successful men in the end are
those whose success is the result of steady
973/1316
ACCRETION.”—Alexander Graham Bell,
Scottish-American inventor
aggrandizement (uh-GRAN-dizmuhnt). An increase in power, position,
riches, etc.; widening in scope or intensity.
Margaret had a well-developed skill for
self-AGGRANDIZEMENT.
See also: Change, Harm
165. Refulgent
(rih-FULL-jent), adjective
Radiant, gleaming; shining brightly.
974/1316
ADJECTIVES
effulgent (ih-FULL-jent). Shining
brightly; glowing; radiant.
The lightning storm made the evening
sky positively EFFULGENT.
luciferous (loo-SIH-fuh-ruhs). Providing
insight or enlightenment; illuminating.
Blake did not find the Ivy League
LUCIFEROUS, so he decided to devote his
life to world travel instead.
nitid (NIHT-id). Bright and lustrous.
Brock and Jenny flew through NITID
moonbeams in Brock’s new Gulfstream
GIV personal jet.
975/1316
resplendent (reh-SPLEN-dent). Garbed
or decorated in lush fabrics and rich,
vibrant colors.
beaded silk gown.
NOUNS
élan, (a-LON). Enthusiasm, energy, flair,
zest.
or behavior.
976/1316
revolutionary
VERBS
zonk (ZAWNK). To stun or stupefy.
We were positively ZONKED by Marie’s
choice of couture for the very important
Sanderson gala.
977/1316
ANTONYMS
innocuous (ih-NAHK-yew-us). Not
978/1316
166. Regret
(ree-GRET), verb, noun
To feel sorrow over; mourn for; to feel
remorse for.
ADJECTIVES
penitent (PEN-ih-tent). Feeling sorry
and regretful that you have done
something wrong.
According to Ambrose Bierce’s jaded
view, the PENITENT are typically those
undergoing or awaiting punishment.
rueful (ROO-full). Regretful; pitiable.
979/1316
In the terminal, Jean gave a RUEFUL
sigh as she stared at the plane thatwas to
carry her away from San Francisco
forever.
NOUNS
compunction (kum-PUNK-shun).
Unrest or uneasiness arising out of a feeling of guilt; a sensation of remorse or
uncertainty about a decision or course of
action.
I will sign her dismissal notice myself
without COMPUNCTION; she is easily
the most incompetent salesperson I have
ever worked with.
contrition (kuhn-TRISH-uhn). A feeling
of remorse for sins or guilt.
980/1316
“I shall never send for a priest or recite
an Act of CONTRITION in my last
moments. I do not mind if I lose my soul
for all eternity.”—Mary McCarthy, American author
qualm (KWAHM). A sudden feeling of
uneasiness, often linked to a pang in one’s
conscience.
Of course we feel no QUALMS about
wanting the finest things in life; that is
the legacy our forefathers bequeathed to
us.
repentance (rih-PEN-tense). A feeling of
sorrow for a wrongdoing.
“Prostitutes have very improperly been
styled women of pleasure; they are
women of pain, or sorrow, of grief, of
981/1316
bitter and continual REPENTANCE,
without a hope of obtaining a pardon.”—Anonymous
VERBS
bemoan (bih-MOWN). To regret passionately or to complain about an ill turn
of events.
Joel could not stop BEMOANING the fact
that he was only three numbers off of the
Powerball jackpot.
ANTONYMS
appeased (uh-PEEZED). Placated;
soothed or satisfied.
982/1316
Sally was easily APPEASED, rarely feeling negative emotions or behaving in a
way that would cause regret.
complacent (kum-PLAY-suhnt). Satisfied with oneself; smug; content.
Brian was so COMPLACENT during the
practice scrimmages before the big game
that his coach considered benching him
and playing the backup quarterback
instead.
See also: Sad
167. Relationship
(ri-LAY-shun-ship), noun
A state of being related; a connection or
association.
983/1316
ADJECTIVES
collegial (kuh-LEE-juhl). Of a working
relationship among colleagues characterized by collective responsibility and minimal supervision.
The COLLEGIAL structure of the organization is one reason there’s very little
turnover there.
consanguineous (con-san-GWIN-eeus). Related by blood; of common lineage.
The two brothers learned of their
CONSANGUINEOUS relationship after a
series of blood tests.
984/1316
filial (FILL-ee-ull). That which is due
from or befitting a son or daughter; pertaining to a son or daughter.
Mother considered it my FILIAL responsibility to take over the family business
when I graduated, but I wanted to pursue
a career of my own.
platonic (pluh-TAWN-ik). Free of sexual
or romantic relations; also refers to the
ideal form of something.
Emily knew that her relationship with
Paul had to remain PLATONIC if they
were going to continue working together.
symbiotic (sim-bee-OTT-ik). Characteristic of an intimate or mutually advantageous relationship, especially (in biology)
one between dissimilar organisms.
985/1316
In ocean life you often see SYMBIOTIC
relationships between large and small
fish, in which the smaller feed off of
organisms existing on the larger, thereby
keeping the larger fish clean and healthy.
NOUNS
dalliance (DAL-ee-ehnss). A brief, casual
détente (day-TAWNT). From the French,
meaning “to slacken,” a loosening of
strained relations.
986/1316
After Graham and Heather stopped
yelling at and started listening to each
other, the DÉTENTE between them
began.
liaison (lee-A-zawn). An adulterous relationship; or, a kind of illicit sexual
relationship.
LIAISONS are much more common
within our group than are stable
marriages.
lineage (LIN-ee-ij). Ancestry; family tree.
We still consider Rachel nouveau riche
because her family can only trace its
American LINEAGE to the mid-eighteenth century.
987/1316
nepotism (NEP-uh-tiz-um). The practice
of favoring relatives.
The company practiced shameless
NEPOTISM, regularly passing up qualified applicants and hiring the underqualified sons, daughters, and cousins of
board members.
rapport (rah-PORE). A trusting and harmonious relationship.
Although the Wilsons found their neighbors odd at first, the four soon developed
a strong RAPPORT.
rapprochement (rah-prosh-MOHN).
Re-establishment of friendly relations
between nations following a period of
hostility.
988/1316
Lydia spoke at length about how
RAPPROCHEMENT between the United
States and some former Soviet nations
has been a real boon to her family’s
prestige and wealth.
schism (SKIZ-um). A division; a break or
rupture of relations, especially one due to
ideological or political differences.
The SCHISM in the party over the issue of
slavery reflected a division in the country
itself.
scion (SY-uhn). A descendant or heir.
“SCION of chiefs and monarchs, where
art thou? / Fond hope of many nations,
art thou dead?”—Lord Byron, British
Romantic poet
989/1316
sociometry (so-see-OM-uh-tree). The
determination of preference among members of distinct social groups.
What we found is that the brand’s success
or failure in a given area was due not
mainly to income level, but to
SOCIOMETRY.
VERBS
correlate (KORE-uh-layt). To relate
logically or systematically; to link.
I believe I can demonstrate convincingly
that the increased cancer rate in the town
can be directly CORRELATED to the
dumping practices of your firm over the
past twenty years.
990/1316
ANTONYMS
estrange (ih-STRAYNJ). To alienate or
remove from a position or relationship.
Michelle’s refusal to give up her selfdestructive habits ESTRANGED her
brother.
misanthrope (MISS-en-throwp). A person of antisocial nature who dislikes other
go on any more dates with him.
168. Relieve
(rhi-LEEV), verb
991/1316
To ease, lighten, reduce, or free from pain,
anxiety, etc.
NOUNS
anodyne (an-uh-DYNE). Anything that
relieves or lessens pain; something that
soothes.
“Novels so often provide an ANODYNE
and not an antidote, glide one into torpid
slumbers instead of rousing one with a
burning brand.”—Virginia Woolf, British
novelist
unguent (UNG-gwent). A locally applied
ointment or salve.
In treating poison ivy, calamine lotion or
some similar UNGUENT is usually
recommended.
992/1316
VERBS
alleviate (uh-LEEV-ee-ayt). To make
more bearable; to relieve.
The only thing that will ALLEVIATE the
fatigue I’m feeling right now is a good
night’s sleep.
assuage (uh-SWAYJ). To ease; to make
less severe; to mitigate.
Gary tried to ASSUAGE his grief at the
loss of his lover by taking a long trip to
Europe.
palliate (PAL-ee-ayt). To treat a patient
so that his symptoms abate even though
he still has the disease.
We introduced Amanda to Roberto, in
attempt to PALLIATE the broken heart
993/1316
that Amanda suffered over her breakup
with one of the scions of the Chesterfield
family.
salve (SAVV). To soothe as with salve
(medicinal ointment).
Luckily for Jim, roses would usually
SALVE his wife’s distress whenever he
forgot their anniversary.
temper (TEM-per). To moderate or mitigate; soften.
After the accident, Paul found that the
monetary settlement was able to
TEMPER his discomfort to a great extent.
994/1316
ANTONYMS
aggravate (AG-ruh-vayt). To make worse
or more severe; to intensify.
“Truth is neither alive nor dead; it just
AGGRAVATES itself all the time.”—Mark
Twain, American humorist and writer
foment (foe-MEHNT). To rouse or incite.
Many social advocates have been considered as rebellious and often are arrested for attempting to FOMENT trouble.
169. Repeat
(ree-PEET), verb
To say, utter, do, or make again; to
reproduce.
995/1316
ADJECTIVES
recursive (ree-KURSS-iv). Pertaining to
a process in which each step makes use of
the results of the earlier steps.
The study of mathematics is a
RECURSIVE learning experience.
NOUNS
iteration (it-uh-RAY-shun). The process
of performing a series of instructions or
steps repeatedly; also refers to one repetition of those repeated steps.
“Thou hast damnable ITERATION, and
art indeed able to corrupt a saint.”—William Shakespeare
996/1316
tautology (taw-TALL-uh-jee). A needless
repetition of an idea or statement;
redundancy.
After his wealthy father’s death, Gerald
consistently referred to his mother with
the TAUTOLOGY, “widow woman.”
VERBS
echo (EK-oh). To resound with an echo;
reverberate; to repeat another’s words or
ideas.
“Kind words are short and easy to speak,
but their ECHOES are truly endless.”—Mother Teresa
perpetuate (purr-PETCH-oo-ayt). To
make everlasting; to prolong memory or
use (of a thing).
997/1316
The rumor that I am resigning has been
PERPETUATED by a number of sources,
all completely unreliable.
recapitulate (ree-kuh-PITCH-uh-layt).
To repeat something, but in a more concise form.
“To RECAPITULATE: always be on time
for my class,” the professor told his freshman class on the first day of the semester.
replicate (REP-li-kayt). To duplicate,
repeat, or reproduce, particularly for
experimental purposes.
John had successfully developed a cure
for the common cold, but could not
REPLICATE the process.
998/1316
ANTONYMS
conclusive (kuhn-KLOO-sive). Able to
settle a question; definitive; final.
Mary was tired of continually arguing
with her parents about responsibility and
felt that getting a full-time job would be a
CONCLUSIVE demonstration.
unambivalent (un-am-BIV-uh-luhnt).
Not ambivalent; definite; certain.
The score at the end of the game gave
UNAMBIVALENT testimony of our
team’s superiority.
170. Replace
(ri-PLAYSS), verb
999/1316
To place again; put back in the previous
position; to provide a substitute or equivalent for.
ADJECTIVES
supposititious (sup-poz-ih-TISH-uhs).
Spuriously substituted or pretended;
fraudulent; not genuine.
The cook prepared the dessert according
to a SUPPOSITITIOUS list of ingredients.
tantamount (TAN-tuh-mownt). Equivalent in value or effect.
Eleanor considered our snub of her
TANTAMOUNT to betrayal, and, in truth,
she was correct.
1000/1316
ADVERBS
vicariously (vye-KAIR-ee-uss-lee).
Through another, as enjoying imagined
feelings and experiences by observing or
hearing about another person’s life and
adventures.
Married for over twenty-five years,
Roger often told his single friends that he
lived VICARIOUSLY through them.
NOUNS
quid pro quo (KWID-pro-kwo). A fair
exchange of assets or services; a favor
given in return for something of equal
value.
1001/1316
In a QUID PRO QUO, Stephen helped
Alex with his math homework, while Alex
did Stephen’s chores.
prosthesis (pross-THEE-sis). An artificially constructed member meant to
replace a damaged or missing part of the
human body.
Several months after the accident, Greg
was fitted for a PROSTHESIS for his
lower left leg that would allow him to
walk again.
subrogation (sub-roe-GAY-shun). The
substitution of one person for another
with respect to a lawful claim or right.
The SUBROGATION clause in the lease
says that if the landlord cannot collect
rent from the tenant, she has the right to
1002/1316
collect from the co-signer of the leasing
agreement.
VERBS
supersede (su-per-SEED). When one
thing takes the place of another or renders
the former obsolete.
“The classical laws [of physics] were
SUPERSEDED by quantum
laws.”—Stephen Hawking, British theoretical physicist
supplant (suh-PLANT). To take the place
of.
“If we would SUPPLANT the opinions
and policy of our fathers in any case, we
should do so upon evidence so conclusive,
and arguments so clear, that even their
1003/1316
great authority fairly considered and
weighted, cannot stand.”—Abraham
Lincoln
ANTONYMS
abiding (uh-BYD-ing). Continuing
without change; enduring.
“Only on paper has humanity yet
achieved glory, beauty, truth, knowledge,
virtue, and ABIDING love.”—George
perdure (per-DYOOR). To continue or
last permanently; endure.
Kevin knew that his life would change
and friends would come and go, but his
relationship with Jane would PERDURE.
1004/1316
171. Reputation
(rep-yuh-TAY-shun), noun
The estimation in which a person is commonly held, whether favorable or not;
character in the view of others; repute;
fame.
NOUNS
calumny (KAL-um-nee). The act of libel
or slander; besmirching of a person’s
reputation by spreading false statements
and rumors.
“To persevere in one’s duty and be silent
is the best answer to
CALUMNY.”—George Washington,
American president
1005/1316
innuendo (in-yu-ENN-doe). A subtle
intimation; an indirect insinuation.
Through hints and INNUENDO her
opponent managed to plant seeds of
doubt about Governor Williams’s past.
libel (LIE-bull). A written, printed, or
pictorial statement or assertion that is
unjustly negative, defaming, or hurtful to
one’s character and reputation.
Several celebrities have sued the supermarket tabloid for LIBEL, but the parade
of lurid and preposterous headlines has
continued unabated.
1006/1316
VERBS
exonerate (ig-ZON-uh-rayt). To clear or
free from blame or guilt; to restore (one’s
reputation).
After the charges were thrown out and
Brian was completely EXONERATED, he
was free to continue his work in the
securities industry.
insinuate (in-SIN-yu-ayt). To hint at
darkly; to suggest (typically, with negative
connotations).
I hope you don’t mean to INSINUATE
that my husband is seeing another
woman.
1007/1316
slander (SLAN-dur). To make an untrue
and malicious statement intended to damage the reputation of another.
If you continue to SLANDER my father,
Mr. Caen, you will be hearing from my
attorney.
ANTONYMS
notoriety (no-tuh-RY-ih-tee). The state
of being widely and unfavorably known.
“It takes very little fire to make a great
deal of smoke nowadays, and
NOTORIETY is not real glory.”—Lousia
May Alcott, American author
unsavory (un-SAYV-err-ee). Distasteful;
unpleasant; disreputable; of dubious
reputation.
1008/1316
“Our future is inextricably linked to what
happens in Washington, D.C., and we
know that is a very UNSAVORY reality.”—Don Libey, direct marketing
advisor
172. Responsibility
(ri-spon-suh-BIL-uh-tee), noun
The condition or state of being responsible; obligation; duty.
ADJECTIVES
onerous (OH-nerr-us). Difficult; imposing heavy responsibility.
1009/1316
Caring for his son’s large aquarium
quickly went from an interesting hobby
to an ONEROUS burden.
NOUNS
onus (OH-nuss). Obligation, responsibility, duty, or burden.
The ONUS for choosing the color scheme
for our new lacrosse uniforms fell ultimately to Tabitha, who had previously
chosen the design for our polo uniforms.
VERBS
ascribe (uh-SKRYB). To attribute or
assign causal responsibility to a person or
thing.
1010/1316
This work has been ASCRIBED to
Rousseau, but his authorship now seems
uncertain.
ANTONYMS
abdicate (AB-dih-kayt). To formally give
up a position or responsibility; to step
down from a high government office or
other powerful position.
The King, as we all know, ABDICATED
rather than give up the woman he loved.
dereliction (dair-uh-LIK-shun). Willful
neglect; shirking of responsibility; the
knowing failure to perform one’s duty.
The sergeant’s inaction that night led to
troubling accusations of DERELICTION
of duty.
1011/1316
exculpate (EK-skull-payt). To remove
responsibility or guilt from.
The fact that I was convicted is immaterial; I have been fully EXCULPATED.
fickle (FIK-uhl). Changeable or unstable
in interest or affection; capricious.
“O, swear not by the moon, the FICKLE
moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly
changes in her circle orb, Lest that thy
love prove likewise variable.”—William
Shakespeare, English dramatist
remiss (rih-miss). Negligent or careless.
Jon was REMISS in his relationships,
never thanking anyone for the kindnesses
he received.
1012/1316
sociopath (SO-see-uh-path). A person
who, because of mental illness, lacks
restraint or moral responsibility toward
fellow members of society.
Although motion pictures and popular
fiction have shown an unending fascination with serial killers, the fact is that
such SOCIOPATHS are quite rare.
173. Revenge
(rih-VENJ), verb
To inflict punishment, damage, or injury
in return for an insult, injury, etc.
1013/1316
ADJECTIVES
vindictive (vin-DIK-tiv). Mean-spirited;
eager for revenge.
When angered, Lynn can be quite
VINDICTIVE; those who work with her
know that the most painless course is to
stay on her good side.
NOUNS
nemesis (NEM-ih-sis). An act or agent of
retribution; an opponent motivated by
revenge.
Things looked bleak: Harold’s nemesis,
Mike, was in charge of all hiring
decisions.
1014/1316
reprisal (rih-PRYZ-uhl). An instance or
the act of retaliation.
Peter was confident that he was correct,
but was just as sure he faced a REPRISAL
for speaking up during the meeting.
retribution (ret-ruh-BYOO-shun).
Deserved punishment for evil done.
Some saw the Mafia don’s debilitating illness as a form of divine RETRIBUTION
for a life of crime.
vendetta (ven-DETT-uh). A bitter feud
or grudge, especially one involving vengeance for a wrongdoing.
Mark’s arguments against my proposed
project had less to do with its merits than
with the VENDETTA he has waged
1015/1316
against me since I was hired for the job
he wanted.
VERBS
reciprocate (rih-SIP-ruh-kayt). To give
or act in turn following the lead of
another; to reply in kind.
We cannot ignore an act of aggression; if
we are attacked, then we must
RECIPROCATE.
requite (rih-KWYT). To return; to retaliate for an actual or assumed wrong.
“Certain sets of human beings are very
apt to maintain that other sets should
give up their lives to them and their service, and then they REQUITE them by
1016/1316
praise”—Charlotte Brönte, British
novelist
ANTONYMS
condone (kuhn-DOHN). To forgive, pardon, or overlook something.
“One who CONDONES evil is just as
guilty as the one who perpetrates
it.”—Martin Luther King, Jr., American
minister and civil-rights leader
vindicate (VIN-dih-kayt). To clear from
criticism, censure, suspicion, etc.; to justify or defend.
“Have patience awhile; slanders are not
long-lived. Truth is the child of time; ere
long she shall appear to VINDICATE
1017/1316
thee.”—Immanuel Kant, German
philosopher
174. Reverence
(REV-er-uhns), noun
A feeling of deep respect, awe, and love;
veneration.
NOUNS
deification (DEE-if-ih-kay-shin). The
process of making someone or something
into—and worshipping them as—a god.
“Poetry is the DEIFICATION of reality.”—Edith Sitwell, British poet
1018/1316
fetish (FETT-ish). Any object, idea,
leader, etc. inspiring unquestioned awe
and reverence.
“It sickens me,” Nora said, “how so many
colleges have made a FETISH of high
grades on standardized tests.”
VERBS
exalt (ig-ZAWLT). To raise in honor,
character, quality; to praise.
“Civilization degrades the many to
EXALT the few.” Amos Bronson Alcott,
American reformer and philosopher
extol (ik-STOHL). To praise highly; laud.
When talking about his new girlfriend,
Larry would EXTOL her virtues in reverential terms.
1019/1316
hallow (HAL-low). To establish as holy;
to sanctify.
“But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not
HALLOW this ground.”—Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
lionize (LIE-uh-nize). To praise excessively; to idolize.
For years young baseball fans LIONIZED
Babe Ruth, whose many indiscretions
were usually overlooked by the press.
venerate (VEN-uh-rayt). To regard or
treat with reverence.
“The way the United States VENERATES
celebrities can be quite annoying,” Sylvia
said.
1020/1316
ANTONYMS
desecrate (DESS-ih-krayt). To abuse the
sacred character of a thing; to treat disrespectfully or irreverently.
Such profane language from our organization’s current leader serves only to
DESECRATE the memory of the founder.
impiety (im-PY-ih-tee). Lack of reverence for sacred things; disrespect for persons or things to which one should be
devoted.
“To be in anger is IMPIETY; But who is
man that is not angry?” William
Shakespeare, English dramatist
1021/1316
175. Ridicule
(RID-ih-kyool), verb
To make fun of; to make the object of contempt; mock.
NOUNS
contumely (kon-TYOO-muh-lee). A rude
display in speech or deed; contemptuous
behavior; humiliating derision.
No matter how long he had held the
grudge against Aaron, his CONTUMELY
at the wedding was uncalled for.
1022/1316
VERBS
caricature (KAR-ih-kuh-chur). To exaggerate the peculiarities or defects of
someone or something for purposes of
ridicule.
Zealots of all stripes tend to
CARICATURE those they despise in order
to make them seem less powerful and
frightening.
decry (dih-CRY). To condemn, ridicule,
or denounce as harmful.
It is unconscionable to DECRY due process just because the system is sometimes
abused.
deride (dih-RYD). To ridicule with
cruelty; to laugh at and make fun of.
1023/1316
His classmates DERIDED Joe for wearing argyle socks to the prom.
lampoon (lam-POON). To mock or
satirize.
Many felt that Trina was cruel to
LAMPOON Jessica’s performance,
including her nervous tic.
pillory (PILL-uh-ree). To subject
someone to merciless public ridicule or
abuse.
I sipped my morning coffee as the
respective parties’ pundits PILLORIED
each other.
scoff (SKAWF). To show mocking contempt; scorn.
1024/1316
“You may SCOFF all you want,” Dave
told the crowd as he climbed into the basket of the hot air balloon “but you’ll see
who gets to the wedding first.”
ANTONYMS
applaud (uh-PLAWD). To express
approval; acclaim; give praise.
“It often happens that those who in their
lives were APPLAUDED and admired,
are laid at last in the ground without the
common honor of a stone.”—Samuel
Johnson, English poet and critic
esteem (ih-STEEM). To value highly;
have great respect and regard for; prize.
“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too
1025/1316
cheap, we ESTEEM too lightly, it is dearness only that gives everything its
value.”—Thomas Paine, English-American writer and political pamphleteer
S
176. Sad
(SAD), adjective
Having or expressing sorrow, grief, or low
spirits; melancholy; mournful.
ADJECTIVES
disconsolate (dis-KON-suh-lut). Beyond
consolation; unable to be comforted; deep
in grief or sorrow.
Jamie was DISCONSOLATE after missing what should have been the game-winning field goal.
1027/1316
doleful (DOLE-full). Causing or expressing grief or affliction.
I decided to rescue Rex from the animal
shelter because I was entranced by his
DOLEFUL expression.
lachrymose (LAK-rih-mose). Inclined to
cry easily.
She was so LACHRYMOSE, she cried at
commercials for long-distance phone
companies.
morose (muh-ROHSS). Gloomy and illhumored.
Now that his parents have taken away
his private plane, Anthony has become
positively MOROSE.
1028/1316
plangent (PLAN-jent). Having an
expressive and particularly plaintive
quality.
The PLANGENT locomotive whistle made
Henry drop a tear in his beer.
sepulchral (suh-PUHL-kruhl). Suggesting a tomb; funereal or dismal.
The SEPULCHRAL tones of the organ
emphasized the solemnity of the service.
woeful (WOH-full). Filled with sorrow or
woe; in a sorry state.
When the home team lost the game in the
final seconds, the WOEFUL crowd
gasped, then went silent.
1029/1316
NOUNS
pathos (PAY-thoss). A quality arousing
or evoking pity or sorrow or eliciting
tender sympathy from an observer.
Chaplin’s development of PATHOS as a
component of film comedy was one of his
most significant achievements.
tribulation (trib-yuh-LAY-shun). Great
misery or distress, as from oppression.
“Rivers of wings surround us and vast
TRIBULATION.”—John Ashbery, American poet and critic
weltschmerz (VELT-shmertz). A lingering sorrow that some believe is a given in
life.
1030/1316
When we snubbed Margaret for buying
so many fashion knockoffs, her
WELTSCHMERZ lasted until we forgave
her.
VERBS
bewail (bih-WAYL). To express deep sorrow or regret over something, usually by
weeping.
After his marriage ended, Chuck spent
months BEWAILING his fate.
commiserate (kuh-MIZ-uh-rayt). To
share in another’s sorrow or
disappointment.
Jane and Anita COMMISERATED with
Frank over the failure of the business.
1031/1316
ANTONYMS
about something.
jubilant (JOO-buh-luhnt). Joyful and triumphant; elated.
After a hard-fought game, the winners
were JUBILANT.
See also: Regret
177. Sapient
(SAY-pee-ent), adjective
1032/1316
Wise.
ADJECTIVES
erudite (AIR-yu-dyte). Sophisticated;
well educated; deeply learned; knowledgeable; scholarly.
Beneath his ERUDITE image, Dr. John
Brinkley was a money-grubbing con
man.
omniscient (ahm-NIH-shent). Allknowing.
“The god of love, if omnipotent and
OMNISCIENT, must be the god of cancer
and epilepsy as well.”—George Bernard
Shaw, Irish playwright
1033/1316
venerable (VEN-err-uh-bull). Respected
and revered, sometimes because of
achievement, intelligence, or character,
but just as often as a result of being
around a long time.
“Is the babe young? When I behold it, it
seems more VENERABLE than the oldest
man.”—Henry David Thoreau, American
NOUNS
hypothesis (hy-POTH-uh-sis). A principle derived from limited evidence, seen
as sensible based on an analysis of available data, but not proven to the point
where it is an accepted theory, rule, or
law.
1034/1316
“In order to shake a HYPOTHESIS, it is
sometimes not necessary to do anything
more than push it as far as it will
go.”—Denis Diderot, French philosopher
literati (elit-uh-RAH-tee). The segment
of society comprised of learned or literary
men and women.
We attract the LITERATI because of our
constantly carefree and exciting exploits.
sagacity (suh-GASS-ih-tee). Wisdom;
soundness of judgment.
“Our minds are endowed by nature with
such activity and SAGACITY that the soul
is believed to be produced from
heaven.”—Quintilian, Roman rhetorician
1035/1316
VERBS
preside over or listen to opposing arguments and help two parties settle their difference and come to an agreement.
while screaming at top volume I tried
quarrel.
of the facts.
After Roger’s family purchased a Mercedes C class, rather than its usual
1036/1316
Mercedes E class, we EDUCED the
Wallertons were enduring financial
difficulties.
ANTONYMS
fatuous (FATCH-oo-us). Trivial, silly,
absurd, unimportant, pointless.
“I’m sick of pretending that some
FATUOUS male’s self-important pronouncements are the objects of my undivided attention.”—Germaine Greer,
Australian writer and scholar
jejune (jih-JOON). Thoughts and actions
that are not well thought out or fully
formed; a poor performance or inferior
work.
1037/1316
Samantha snidely informed Blake that
her JEJUNE entertaining efforts might
someday grow to maturity.
non compos mentis (non KAHM-puhs
MEN-tiss). Crazy; insane; not in one’s
right mind.
When Bryce suggested he was considering the ministry, rather than joining the
family bond business, we were certain he
was NON COMPOS MENTIS.
tyro (TIE-roh). A beginner or novice.
Though a TYRO, Madeline quickly
mastered cross-country skiing during her
jaunt to Switzerland.
1038/1316
178. Science
(SY-ehnss), noun
A body of knowledge concerned with
establishing facts, principles, and methods
through experimentation and study.
NOUNS
biogenesis (by-oh-JEN-ih-siss). The
process of life arising from other living
things.
BIOGENESIS involves an unending
regenerative cycle of life and death.
entomology (en-tuh-MOL-uh-jee). The
study of insects.
1039/1316
Judy’s little boy so loved to collect bugs
from the garden that we wondered if he
might grow up to study ENTOMOLOGY.
eustasy (YEW-stah-see). A change in sea
level caused by melting of ice, movement
of ocean floors, or major deposits of
sediment.
Global warming is already triggering
EUSTASY by melting the polar ice caps.
kinesiology (kih-nee-see-OL-uh-jee).
The science of muscles and their function,
physical movement, and muscular
development.
As a body builder, he studied both nutrition and KINESIOLOGY.
1040/1316
morphology (moe-FALL-uh-jee). The
study of something’s form or structure.
We spent a surprisingly interesting few
minutes discussing the MORPHOLOGY of
the duck-billed platypus.
nanosecond (NAN-oh-sek-uhnd). A
time period equal to one-billionth of a
second.
Certain processes can now be measured
in NANOSECONDS.
ornithology (or-nih-THOLL-uh-jee).
The study of birds.
Her lifelong love of birds led Stella to seek
a degree in ORNITHOLOGY.
taxonomy (tak-SON-uh-mee). The science of formal classification and naming.
1041/1316
The newly discovered insect was dubbed
“Lilliput” by the researchers, although its
formal name was a question of
TAXONOMY that no one felt hurried to
resolve.
xenogamy (zih-NAHG-uh-me). Crosspollination among plant species.
The secret of our award-winning formal
gardens is the careful use of
XENOGAMY.
ANTONYMS
sorcery (SOR-suh-ree). The use of supernatural powers and evil spirits; witchcraft.
“The teaching of the church, theoretically
astute, is a lie in practice and a compound of vulgar superstitions and
1042/1316
SORCERY.”—Leo Tolstoy, Russian novelist, philosopher
wizardry (WIZ-er-dree). The art of a
wizard; magic; sorcery.
Brian was an accomplished politician;
his diplomatic and rhetorical skills
approached WIZARDRY.
179. Secret
(SEE-krit), adjective, noun
To keep from public knowledge;
something not revealed.
1043/1316
ADJECTIVES
sanctioned.
American poet
cryptic (KRIP-tik). Having a hidden or
ambiguous meaning; mysterious, secret.
In an effort to make their messages interesting, advertisers have made them more
CRYPTIC so that, at times, it’s unclear
what is being advertised or why.
1044/1316
incognito (in-cog-NEE-toe). Hidden or
unknown; with an intentional change in
appearance to make one’s real identity
unknown.
The novelist wore sunglasses in hopes of
remaining INCOGNITO at restaurants,
but he was still pestered by autograph
hounds.
surreptitious (suh-rep-TISH-us). Done
in secret.
With little more than SURREPTITIOUS
glances, Alison was able to entice Quentin
to her side at the spring gala.
NOUNS
cache (KASH). Something hidden or
stored.
1045/1316
Everyone was jealous when they learned
of Moira’s CACHE of acceptances to the
finest schools.
machination (mak-uh-NAY-shun). A
conniving plot; a crafty scheme meant to
achieve an illicit end.
Carrie was familiar with Desmond’s
MACHINATIONS when it came to winning raises.
VERBS
encipher (en-SY-fur). To scramble or
convert data into a secret code, prior to
transmission, thereby making it
impossible for unauthorized users to
understand or decipher.
1046/1316
Mathematicians were employed by the
Army to crack ENCIPHERED messages
during the war.
ANTONYMS
candid (KAN-did). Honest; outspoken.
“Blame where you must, be CANDID
where you can, and be each critic the
good-natured man.”—Robert Burns,
Scottish poet
overt (oh-VURT). Open, public, and
observable.
The enemy’s OVERT acts demonstrated a
bravado indicating their complete confidence in success.
1047/1316
180. Sensuous
(SEN-shoo-us), adjective
Affecting, appealing to, or perceived by
the senses; enjoying the pleasures of the
senses.
ADJECTIVES
epicurean (ep-ih-kyoo-REE-uhn). Fond
of luxury and indulgence in sensual
pleasures.
Peter was fond of EPICUREAN delights of
all kinds, but could only afford the most
basic.
1048/1316
hedonistic (heed-in-IS-tik). Characteristic of a belief that pleasure or happiness
is the chief goal in life.
We were all amazed that our small-town
friend could grow up and adopt such a
HEDONISTIC lifestyle.
luxurious (lug-ZHOOR-ee-us). Characterized by luxury; loving luxury or
pleasure.
“The sixties were an oyster decade: slippery, LUXURIOUS, and reportedly aphrodisiac they slipped down the historical
throat without touching the
sides.”—Julian Barnes, British critic and
author
sybaritic (sih-bar-IT-ik). Relating to selfindulgent sensuous luxury and pleasure.
1049/1316
Selena rubbed the suntan lotion over her
tanned middle slowly, and the whole
thing had an erotic, SYBARITIC quality
that made the men’s eyes pop out of their
heads.
toothsome (TOOTH-suhm). Voluptuous
and sexually alluring.
Dorienne is TOOTHSOME thanks mainly
to her plastic surgeon and her family’s
fortune.
voluptuous (vuh-LUP-chew-us).
Anything arising from or giving extreme
sensory or sensual pleasure.
A VOLUPTUOUS banquet was the highlight of the Masterlys’ Thanksgiving gala.
1050/1316
ANTONYMS
astringent (uh-STRIN-jent). Severe;
harsh; austere.
Her ASTRINGENT style was a perfect
complement to the cold, chaste main
character.
austere (aw-STEER). Severe in appearance or nature; self-disciplined or strict to
a high degree.
George chose an AUSTERE lifestyle
because he believed it was more wholesome and healthy.
See also: Sex
181. Sex
(SEKS), noun
1051/1316
The division by gender; the manifestation
of the physical and emotional attraction
between individuals.
ADJECTIVES
Dionysian (die-uh-NIH-she-un). Frenzied; uninhibited; hedonistic; orgiastic;
unrestrained.
The fraternity’s DIONYSIAN exploits
were fun for a while, but when they resulted in his failing two classes, Emmett
decided to go back to the quiet life.
lascivious (luh-SIV-ee-us). Interested in
and eager to engage in sexual activity;
sexual in nature.
1052/1316
“An impersonal and scientific knowledge
of the structure of our bodies is the surest
safeguard against prurient curiosity and
LASCIVIOUS gloating.”—Marie Carmichael Stopes, British scientist and birthcontrol pioneer
lubricious (loo-BRISH-us). Arousing or
suggestive of sexual desire; lustful.
All corporations require employees to
attend a workshop on harassment in
order to curb latent LUBRICIOUS
instincts.
nubile (NOO-bile). Sexually mature
and/or prepared for marriage; sexually
attractive.
Art looked at his “baby” daughter Marie
and realized that she had somehow
1053/1316
become a NUBILE young woman of
eighteen.
phallic (FAL-ik). Of or pertaining to the
phallus, or penis; reminiscent of a penis;
reminiscent of the life-giving force of
nature, as in ancient Dionysian festivals
that made the phallus a central element.
According to Freud, PHALLIC symbols
(such as the sword of Unferth used by
Beowulf) abound in both ancient and
modern literature.
prurient (PROOR-ee-ent). An excessive
focus on sex.
“The idea,” Judge Cotlin wrote, “that
Joyce’s Ulysses is designed mainly to
excite the reader’s PRURIENT interest is
absurd.”
1054/1316
salacious (suh-LAY-shuss). Having an
unhealthy, obsessive, or addictive interest
in sex.
For weeks, the society pages were rife
with SALACIOUS gossip, which turned
out to originate from Mallory, who had
lost her beau to Jeannette.
scabrous (SKAB-russ). Indelicate;
risqué; salacious.
Joe believed that SCABROUS jokes were
the most humorous.
sultry (SUL-tree). Suggestive of passion
or smoldering sexuality.
Marjorie did nothing to accentuate her
figure or appearance, but she still
incurred the wrath of many women in the
1055/1316
office who considered her to be naturally
SULTRY.
tantric (TAN-trik). Related to views of
sex as a sacred and deeply spiritual act.
“Both religions [Hinduism and
Buddhism] were patronized by the same
kings, ministers, and merchants, many of
whom indulged in the same TANTRIC
heterodoxies.”—William Dalrymple, Scottish historian and author
wanton (WAHN-tuhn). Loose, lascivious,
and lewd.
Robert is so WANTON that women stay
away from him in spite of his family’s
connections.
1056/1316
NOUNS
androgynous (an-DRAWJ-eh-nus).
Something or someone who is of indeterminate sex; or hermaphrodite (having
characteristics of both a male and a
female).
The models at fashion week were so
ANDROGYNOUS that Katherine couldn’t
tell if the clothes were designed for men
or women.
coitus (KO-uh-tus). Sexual intercourse.
Professor Wells sternly informed me that
he would prefer that I use the term
“COITUS” in describing the activities of
the test couples, rather than the less
formal “making whoopee.”
1057/1316
Unbridled lust in the extreme; horniness.
fountain of CONCUPISCENCE.”—Mario
Acevedo, American fantasy author
debauchery (de-BAW-chuh-ree). Frequent indulgence in sensual pleasures.
“The geniuses, the mad dreamers, those
who speak of DEBAUCHERY in the spirit,
they are the condemned of our
times.”—Harlan Ellison, American author
demimonde (DEMM-ee-mond). Women
who are considered to have loose morals
due to their indiscreet or promiscuous
behavior.
1058/1316
Unless you’re trying to get yourself
labeled a DEMIMONDE, Sylvia, you need
to stop hanging out with guys like Roger.
flagrante delicto (fluh-GRAN-tee diLIK-toh). In the act of committing an
offense; most widely used today to
describe a couple caught in the act of
sexual intercourse.
“No cheating spouse, no teen with a
wrecked family car, no mayor of Washington, D.C., videotaped in FLAGRANTE
DELICTO has ever come up with anything as farfetched as U.S. farm
policy.”—P.J. O’Rourke, American satirist
hermaphrodite (hur-MAFF-ruh-dite).
One who possesses both male and female
reproductive organs.
1059/1316
Sheldon brought back miniature statues
of the island’s mythic hero, a
HERMAPHRODITE warrior.
lothario (lo-THAR-ee-oh). A man who
seduces women.
Ryan is friendly, I’ll admit, but he is certainly no LOTHARIO.
necrophilia (nek-ruh-FILL-ee-uh). An
erotic attraction to corpses.
For the lover concerned about rejection,
NECROPHILIA may be the answer.
panderer (PAN-dur-ur). A person who
obtains prostitutes for clients or supplies
clients to prostitutes; a pimp.
1060/1316
Ralph was so inept at meeting women
that he seriously considered getting
advice from a PANDERER.
roué (roo-A). A licentious man; a libertine or lecher.
Although Ernest’s dalliances might have
been understandable when he was a
young man, they were more difficult for
his family to forgive in his later years,
when he came to resemble nothing so
much as a tired and lonely old ROUÉ.
sapphism (SAFF-iz-im). Lesbianism.
After several failed relationships with
men, Martha was ready to try
SAPPHISM.
1061/1316
saturnalia (sat-uhr-NAY-lee-uh). Unrestrained, licentious merrymaking.
Anyone looking at the party’s aftermath
the next day would have thought it was a
SATURNALIA, not a fairly quiet reunion
of five old friends.
satyr (SAY-ter). A lascivious, lecherous
man.
Harold’s graceful manners disappear
once he has had a few glasses of champagne, and he becomes a veritable
SATYR.
VERBS
eroticize (ih-ROT-uh-syz). To take
something “tame” and sexualize it.
1062/1316
There’s no need to EROTICIZE
Shakespeare because his works are
already filled with bawdy—sometimes
downright filthy—puns.
philander (fih-LAN-der). To engage in
amorous flirtations or exploits with
someone whom one cannot or does not
intend to marry.
These accusations of PHILANDERING,
whether based in fact or not, have little to
do with the question of whether the candidate will serve our state well in the
United States Senate.
1063/1316
ANTONYMS
celibacy (SELL-ih-buh-see). The quality
of being chaste; the state of abstaining
from sexual activity.
Although he took Holy Orders, David
eventually found that he could not live a
life of CELIBACY and left the priesthood.
chaste (CHAYST). Not indulging in
sexual activity; virginal; celibate.
“Too CHASTE a youth leads to a dissolute
old age.”—Andre Gide, French writer
See also: Love
182. Shape
(SHAYP), noun
1064/1316
The quality of a thing that defines its
external surface and physical form;
something seen in outline; contour.
ADJECTIVES
conoidal (kuh-NOYD-uhl). Shaped like,
or nearly like, a cone.
My son’s paintings of CONOIDAL objects
are all the rage in his preschool.
infundibular (in-fuhn-DIB-yoo-lar).
Having the shape of a funnel.
From years of erosion by rapidly moving
water, the valley has acquired an
INFUNDIBULAR appearance.
lunate (LOO-nayt). Crescent-shaped.
1065/1316
Looking like a partially eaten cookie, the
LUNATE moon rose over the lake.
ovoid (OH-void). Having the shape of an
egg.
The OVOID droppings were left by an
unidentified but fastidious animal.
pyriform (PIR-uh-form). Having a pear
shape.
With their PYRIFORM outline, the apples
looked like pears from a distance.
serriform (SAIR-uh-form). Shaped like a
saw-edge; having ridges reminiscent of
saw-teeth.
The two SERRIFORM pieces fit together
perfectly, making a solid joint.
1066/1316
sigmoid (SIG-moid). Having a double
curve like the letter “S.”
The rather large serpent was resting in
the classic SIGMOID position.
sinuous (SIN-yoo-uhs). Bending in and
out; having many curves; wavy.
Flowing slowly across the plain, the great
river followed a SINUOUS path to the
ocean.
spheroidal (sfi-ROID-uhl). In the shape
of a sphere.
Seemingly without effort, the toddlers
were able to transform the SPHEROIDAL
ball into one that was distinctly ovoid.
symmetrical (sih-MET-rih-kul). Characterized by a regularity of features and
1067/1316
form; well-proportioned; agreeably
arranged.
The tree was so perfectly SYMMETRICAL
that we wondered if it was real.
tauriform (TAWR-uh-form). Having the
shape of a bull or the head or horns of a
bull.
Arthur was temporarily stumped when
asked to draw an object with a
TAURIFORM shape.
xiphoid (ZIE-foid). Shaped like a sword.
We can always spot Carlson’s private
plane because it is covered with the same
XIPHOID shapes that adorn his family’s
crest.
1068/1316
ANTONYMS
amorphous (ah-MORE-fis). Without
definite shape, substance, or form; lacking
definition and boundaries.
“Of course the illusion of art is to make
one believe that great literature is very
close to life, but exactly the opposite is
true. Life is AMORPHOUS, literature is
formal.”—Françoise Sagan, French novelist and playwright
incoherent (in-koh-HEER-uhnt). Not
logically connected; disjointed; rambling.
“Dreams are nothing but INCOHERENT
ideas, occasioned by partial or imperfect
sleep.”—Benjamin Rush, American physician and political leader
1069/1316
183. Short-lived
(SHORT-LYVD), adjective
Living only a short time.
ADJECTIVES
caducous (kuh-DOO-kuss). Transitory;
short-lived; perishable.
“Some thing, which I fancied was a part
of me, falls off from me and leaves no
scar. It was CADUCOUS.”—Ralph Waldo
transcendentalist
deciduous (dih-SIJ-oo-uhs). Not
permanent.
1070/1316
After meeting Martha, Arnold was content to give up all of his DECIDUOUS
pleasures.
ephemeral (eh-FEM-er-uhl). Describes a
short-lived condition, temporary event, or
fleeting moment.
“There remain some truths too
EPHEMERAL to be captured in the cold
pages of a court transcript.”—Irving
Kaufman, Chief Judge, United States
Court of Appeals
evanescent (ev-eh-NESS-ent). Having
the qualities of a mist or vapor, capable of
vanishing seemingly into thin air.
“Nobody thinks it’s silly to invest two
hours’ work in two minutes’ enjoyment;
but if cooking is EVANESCENT, well, so is
1071/1316
the ballet.”—Julia Child, American cook,
author, and television personality
fugacious (fyoo-GAY-shuss). Fleeting,
transitory, short-lived.
The FUGACIOUS mid-summer cold snap
was a welcome relief from the heat.
transitory (TRAN-si-tor-ee). Lasting
only a short time; not permanent.
“All forms of beauty, like all possible phenomena, contain an element of the
eternal and an element of the
TRANSITORY—of the absolute and of the
particular.”—Charles Baudelaire, French
poet
1072/1316
ANTONYMS
incessant (in-SES-uhnt). Not stopping;
never ceasing; continuing without end.
“The longest absence is less perilous to
love than the terrible trials of
INCESSANT proximity.”—Edna St. Vincent Millay, American poet and
dramatist
perdurable (per-DURE-uh-bull).
Extremely durable or lasting; permanent;
imperishable.
Oscar’s aphorisms always expressed a
PERDURABLE truth.
perennial (puh-REN-ee-uhl). Lasting for
a long time; enduring.
1073/1316
“Folly is PERENNIAL and yet the human
race has survived.”—Bertrand Russell,
English logician and philosopher
184. Similar
(SIM-uh-ler), adjective
Having a general resemblance or likeness;
nearly but not exactly the same.
ADJECTIVES
akin (uh-KIN). Showing a similar feature
or quality; comparable or related in some
important way.
1074/1316
I feel that Harry’s repeated falsification
of his records is much more than a breach
of policy: it is AKIN to outright perjury.
alliterative (uh-LIT-er-uh-tive). Using
the repetition of initial consonant sounds
in language.
“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers” is an ALLITERATIVE tonguetwister.
analogous (an-AL-uh-gus). Similar or
comparable in some respects.
Nikki tried to argue that attending public
school in Manhattan was ANALOGOUS
to attending the prestigious boarding
school in the country, but her argument
was weak and her grandmother wasn’t
buying it.
1075/1316
derivative (deh-RIV-uh-tiv). Copied or
adapted from others.
“Only at his maximum does an individual
surpass all his DERIVATIVE elements,
and become purely himself.”—D.H.
Lawrence, British author
isomorphic (aye-seh-MAWR-fik). Having a similar form, shape, or structure.
Jerry enjoyed traveling before all cities
seemed to become endless mazes of
ISOMORPHIC structures.
NOUNS
metaphor (MET-uh-for). A sentence or
phrase in which a word ordinarily associated with one thing is applied to
1076/1316
something else, to indicate that in some
way they are similar.
“If we are a METAPHOR of the universe,
the human couple is the metaphor par
excellence, the point of intersection of all
forces and the seed of all forms.”—Octavio Paz Lozano, Mexican writer, poet,
and diplomat
parity (PAIR-ih-tee). The condition of
everyone being more or less equal.
The firemen received a raise to help them
achieve pay PARITY with the sanitation
workers and police department.
propinquity (pro-PING-kwi-tee). Nearness in time or place; an affinity of nature.
As more and more of the small ranches in
his neighborhood were knocked down
1077/1316
and replaced by mansion-like dwellings,
Ralph felt wealthy by virtue of
PROPINQUITY.
similitude (sih-MIL-ih-tood). Likeness
or similarity.
Bea and Rosa have a SIMILITUDE of
habits when it comes to cooking.
simulacrum (sim-yuh-LAY-krum). A
minor, unreal, or eerie similarity.
The boy possessed only the barest
SIMULACRUM of the classic DeBerris
brow, but something told me his claim to
be a descendant was valid.
1078/1316
ANTONYMS
heterogeneity (het-uh-roh-juh-NEE-ihtee). Characterized by dissimilarity;
disparateness.
HETEROGENEITY is found throughout
the animal and plant world with each
individual virtually unique.
imparity (im-PAIR-ih-tee). Inequality or
disparity.
Joyce was continually amazed by the
IMPARITY of her children.
185. Skilled
(SKILD), adjective
1079/1316
Having a particular ability from training
or experience.
ADJECTIVES
particular pursuit.
“that Will thinks his being ADROIT as an
opera singer will impress women.”
consummate (KON-suh-mitt). Complete
or perfect; showing supreme skill.
“[John F. Kennedy is] a new star with a
tremendous national appeal, the skill of a
CONSUMMATE showman.”—Russell
Baker, American author
1080/1316
efficacious (eff-ih-KAY-shuss). Capable
of having a desired effect.
“Example is always more EFFICACIOUS
than precept.”—Samuel Johnson, British
moralist and poet
habile (HAB-ill). Skillful and able; handy.
Our HABILE gardener has helped render
our topiary into the shapes of dollar and
pound signs.
NOUNS
demiurge (DEM-ee-urj). A powerful creative force or a creative personality.
After trying a few different professions,
Jackson realized that his ability with artifice, combined with his family
1081/1316
connections, would make him a
DEMIURGE of the marketing world.
journeyman (JUR-nee-man). A person
who, although not a top master of his profession, has become extremely competent,
through long years of practice, at a particular craft or skill.
“So this is happiness, / that
JOURNEYMAN.”—Anne Sexton, American poet and author
virtuoso (vir-choo-OWE-so). A
supremely skilled artist.
Geena is a piano VIRTUOSO who has
won dozens of competitions.
1082/1316
ANTONYMS
inept (in-EPT). Without judgment, discretion, aptitude, or skill.
Williams, an INEPT craftsman, soon
found that his goods would never fetch
top dollar.
jejune (jih-JOON). Not well thought out
or fully formed; poor in performance.
Samantha snidely informed Blake that
her JEJUNE entertaining efforts might
someday grow to maturity.
186. Sleepy
(SLEE-pee), adjective
1083/1316
Inclined to sleep; characterized by an
absence of activity; drowsy; idle.
ADJECTIVES
hypnopompic (hip-nuh-PAHM-pik).
Having to do with the semiconscious state
that precedes wakefulness.
With all of her partying at exclusive
clubs, Madison spends most of her life in
a HYPNOPOMPIC state.
lassitude (LASS-ih-tood). Having little
1084/1316
lethargic (luh-THAR-jik). Drowsy and
sluggish; lacking vigor.
“Great talents, by the rust of long disuse,
/ Grow LETHARGIC and shrink from
what they were.”—Ovid, Roman poet
logy (LOW-gee). Characterized by lethargy and sluggishness.
“To be scared is such a release from all
the LOGY weight of procrastination, of
dallying and pokiness! You burn into
work. It is as though gravity were
removed and you walked lightly to the
moon like an angel.”—Brenda Ueland,
American author
1085/1316
oscitant (OSS-ih-tuhnt). Drowsy, inattentive; dull.
Before 10:00 A.M., any lecture hall on any
campus will be filled with OSCITANT
students.
recumbent (rih-KUM-bent). Inactive,
idle; lying down.
During our Italian cruise, we spent most
of our time RECUMBENT on the bow of
the yacht, soaking up the sun’s rays.
somniferous (som-NIFF-er-us). Inducing sleep.
The professor’s SOMNIFEROUS voice
caused many students to fall asleep during her lectures.
1086/1316
somnolent (SOM-nuh-lunt). Tired,
sleepy.
Having worked all night on the paper,
Gaylord dragged himself into the lecture
hall and spent the hour casting a wellmeaning but SOMNOLENT gaze in the
direction of his professor.
soporific (sop-uh-RIFF-ik). Boring, tedious, or exhausting such that it brings on
sleep.
If Cassandra weren’t such an important
social contact, her SOPORIFIC speech
would surely cause us to avoid her.
NOUNS
inertia (in-UR-shuh). Sluggishness; the
quality of being inert.
1087/1316
It is not a lack of opportunity that has
hampered you, Jackson, but simple
INERTIA.
narcoma (nar-KO-muh). A hazy state
between sleep and wakefulness reminiscent of or signaling use of narcotics.
Because she had worked in a city emergency room for four years, Ellen knew
that the boy had slipped into NARCOMA.
opiate (OPE-ee-ut). An addictive narcotic, especially one with numbing or
sleep-inducing qualities; anything that
causes dullness or inaction.
Whenever Roger was agitated by overwork, he would relax with classical music
and allow its calming effect to act like an
OPIATE on his mind.
1088/1316
torpor (TORE-pur). Temporary loss of
the power of motion or sensation;
dormant; apathy; indifference.
“A multitude of causes unknown to
former times are now acting with a combined force to blunt the discriminating
powers of the mind, and unfitting it for
all voluntary exertion to reduce it to a
state of almost savage TORPOR.”—William Wordsworth, British Romantic poet
ANTONYMS
animated (AN-uh-mate-id). Vigorous;
lively.
Their discussion was ANIMATED by the
assurance that each was correct and the
others were fools.
1089/1316
astir (uh-STUR). In motion; in excited
activity.
My uncle’s energy was such that he was
constantly ASTIR; he even talked in his
sleep.
187. Small
(SMAWL), adjective
Little; of less than the usual quantity, size,
amount, value, importance, etc.
ADJECTIVES
diminutive (dih-MIN-yuh-tiv). Small in
stature.
1090/1316
Marcia’s forceful personality overcomes
her DIMINUTIVE stature.
exiguous (ex-IG-yu-uss). Meager; small;
scanty.
Dinner turned out to be an EXIGUOUS
offering of two thin slices of chicken,
three green beans, and a potato—albeit
quite artistically arranged.
infinitesimal (in-fin-uh-TESS-ih-mull).
So small that it can’t accurately be
measured.
Which color lipstick to wear tonight is an
INFINITESIMAL, not a major, issue, so
let’s get going already!
Lilliputian (lil-uh-PEW-shen). Small in
1091/1316
Jules Verne’s LILLIPUTIAN appearance
minuscule (MIN-uss-kyool). Extremely
small.
Sometimes, trying to decipher the
MINUSCULE names, numbers, and signs
on a map only makes me feel more lost.
nominal (NOM-ih-nuhl). Relatively
minor in importance; insignificant as an
amount or volume of something.
For a NOMINAL fee, the store delivers
your new wide-screen TV to your home
and sets it up for you.
trifling (TRY-fling). Insignificant; unimportant; trivial.
1092/1316
The fact is, you are unlikely to be called in
for an audit over such a TRIFLING
amount of money.
NOUNS
globule (GLOB-yewl). A small globe or
ball.
“In yourself is the law of all nature, and
you know not yet how a GLOBULE of sap
ascends.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet, essayist, and transcendentalist
iota (eye-OH-tuh). A minute quantity; an
extremely small amount.
The fact that the prisoner’s reprieve omits
his middle initial doesn’t matter one
IOTA, Warden Holloway.
1093/1316
microcosm (my-kruh-KAHZ-uhm). A
representation of something on a very
small scale.
“Each particle is a MICROCOSM, and
faithfully renders the likeness of the
world.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet, essayist, and transcendentalist
minutiae (mih-NOO-she-ee). Small, trifling matters that one encounters on an
average day.
The MINUTIAE of golf, tennis, and spa
treatments at the club can become utterly
tiresome.
modicum (MAWD-ih-kuhm). A modest
amount; a small quantity.
1094/1316
“To be human is to have one’s little
MODICUM of romance secreted away in
one’s composition.”—Mark Twain
paucity (PAW-si-tee). A lack of
something, a small supply or limited
selection.
“It is very strange, and very melancholy,
that the PAUCITY of human pleasures
should persuade us ever to call hunting
one of them.”—Samuel Johnson, British
moralist and poet
pittance (PIT-unce). A very small
amount.
My allowance in those days, of course,
was a PITTANCE compared to my
brother’s.
1095/1316
scintilla (sin-TILL-uh). A spark; a tiny
trace amount.
“The air twittered with bright
SCINTILLAS of fading light.”—Harlan
smattering (SMAT-er-ing). A little bit; a
small amount of something.
Dean picked up a SMATTERING of
Italian during his visit to Venice.
tincture (TINK-chur). A trace amount or
slight tinge.
The tragic opera was leavened with a
TINCTURE of comic relief.
1096/1316
VERBS
dwindle (DWIN-dul). To become smaller; to shrink or waste away; to decrease.
I had planned to run away forever, but
my supply of cookies and pennies
DWINDLED, forcing me to return home
by nightfall.
truncate (TRUN-kayt). To shorten by
cutting (a segment).
The director left the long passage about
the “willow that grows aslant the brook”
intact, but decided to TRUNCATE an
earlier scene that had something to do
with Hecuba.
1097/1316
ANTONYMS
ponderous (PON-der-us). Massive;
heavy.
“Ever since I was a boy, I regarded opera
as a PONDEROUS anachronism, almost
the equivalent of smoking.”—Frank Lloyd
Wright, American architect
prodigious (proh-DIJ-is). Extraordinary
in size, extent, amount, degree, bulk, etc.;
enormous; monstrous.
Clark’s PRODIGIOUS collection of old
movie posters led many of his friends to
ask whether he had once owned a
theatre.
1098/1316
188. Sojourn
(SO-jern), noun
A temporary visit or stay.
ADJECTIVES
bucolic (byoo-KALL-ik). A peaceful,
serene, rural object, place, or
environment.
BUCOLIC little village in the country.
desultory (DES-ul-tor-ee). Acting
without plan or purpose; activity that
seems random or haphazard.
1099/1316
“Find time still to be learning somewhat
good, and give up being
DESULTORY.”—Marcus Aurelius, Roman
Emperor
NOUNS
convalescence (con-vah-LESS-ense).
The time spent recovering from an illness
and getting back to full health, often while
being taken care of by others.
1100/1316
“CONVALESCENCE is the part that
makes the illness worthwhile.”—George
dalliance (DAL-ee-anss). A brief, casual
dilettante (DILL-ih-tont). A person who
studies a subject in a casual fashion,
learning the topic for the fun of it rather
than to apply it to solve real problems.
Joseph Priestly could be considered a
DILETTANTE, and yet his work led to the
discovery of oxygen.
1101/1316
hedonism (HEE-duh-niz-im). The nonstop pursuit of personal pleasure as one’s
primary goal.
“[Bad] taste supervenes upon good taste
as a daring and witty HEDONISM. It
makes the man of good taste cheerful,
where before he ran the risk of being
chronically frustrated.”—Susan Sontag,
American literary theorist, philosopher,
and political activist
hiatus (hi-A-tuss). An interruption or
break in time or continuity.
Lorelei’s coming-out party was a welcome HIATUS in our otherwise uneventful social calendar.
1102/1316
Times
VERBS
disport (dih-SPORT). To amuse oneself.
Felicia loved to DISPORT with the proprietors of her favorite boutiques by arguing
over price.
aimlessly.
task to task.
1103/1316
ANTONYMS
edacious (ih-DAY-shuss). Greedy, eager,
and consumed with consumption.
It’s not fair to label Rosella EDACIOUS
because she only wants the same luxury
items the rest of us desire.
histrionics (hiss-tree-AWN-iks). Overthe-top, unnecessarily dramatic behavior.
“Enough with the HISTRIONICS!” his
mother scolded, immediately shutting off
the flow of tears and silencing his
bawling.
189. Solution
(suh-LOO-shun), noun
1104/1316
The method or act of solving a problem;
explanation; clarification; answer.
NOUNS
catholicon (kuh-THOL-ih-kuhn). A universal remedy; panacea.
Money is often considered a
CATHOLICON for many of the world’s
ills.
elixir (e-LIX-ur). A solution meant to be
used for medicinal purposes; in medieval
times, a supposedly curative drink made
from mixing alcohol and drugs in water.
Dr. Callahan’s ELIXIR of Life, a patent
medicine popular in Kansas in the late
1880s, may have owed part of its
1105/1316
popularity to the coca leaves used in its
preparation.
woes.
VERBS
elucidate (ee-LOO-sih-dayt). To lecture,
explain, or pontificate about a subject in
great detail so as to make it exceedingly
clear.
“It [was] the mission of the twentieth century to ELUCIDATE the
1106/1316
irrational.”—Maurice Merleau-Ponty,
French philosopher
ratiocinate (rash-ee-OSS-inn-ayt). To
work toward the solution of a problem
through logical thinking and reason.
Since the dawn of humanity, our best
minds have failed to RATIOCINATE a
method of proving God’s existence.
ANTONYMS
impasse (IM-pass). A situation that
seems to offer no solution or escape; a
point of stalemate. Literally, a dead-end
street or passage.
Tom realized that his relationship with
Betty had come to an IMPASSE; divorce
was now on her mind, and he knew it.
1107/1316
nostrum (NAH-strum). An untested and
questionable remedy made of secret
ingredients; an ineffective solution.
“America’s present need is not
NOSTRUMS but normalcy.”—Warren G.
Harding
190. Sound
(SOWND), noun
That which can be heard; the sensation
produced when the organs of hearing are
stimulated by vibrations transmitted
through the air or another medium; noise.
1108/1316
ADJECTIVES
euphonious (yu-FONE-ee-uss). Pleasing
to the ear.
The low, EUPHONIOUS thrumming of
the crickets outside my window those
summer nights always put me to sleep
quickly.
guttural (GUTT-er-ul). Harsh or raspy;
reminiscent of deep sounds produced in
the throat.
The dog let out a low, GUTTURAL growl
that was likely to give pause to whoever
was standing on the other side of the
door.
1109/1316
plangent (PLAN-jent). Resounding
loudly and, typically, sorrowfully.
The locomotive whistle is considered by
many to be a PLANGENT sound.
polyphonic (poll-ee-FAHN-ik). Having
many different sounds.
“The guitar is a small orchestra. It is
POLYPHONIC. Every string is a different
color, a different voice.”—Andres Segovia,
Spanish classical guitarist
sonorous (SAWN-er-uss). A deep, rich,
resonant sound.
The B-flat bass saxophone is the most
SONOROUS member of the saxophone
family, with the baritone saxophone coming in a close second.
1110/1316
stentorian (sten-TOR-ee-un). A sound
characterized as loud and powerful.
The announcer’s STENTORIAN voice
could be heard even after a storm
knocked out the power to his microphone.
strident (STRY-duhnt). Harsh; obtrusively grating.
Dennis’s appeals for money became more
common—and more STRIDENT—as the
year wore on.
NOUNS
cacophony (kuh-KOFF-uh-nee). Harsh,
unpleasant sounds that can create a disturbing feeling.
1111/1316
The CACOPHONY of the nearby construction site made it almost impossible for me
to get any work done.
crescendo (kruh-SHEN-doe). A gradual
increase in volume or intensity (used
especially in relation to musical works).
As the orchestra reached a thundering
CRESCENDO, my six-year-old son continued to sleep peacefully by my side.
knell (NELL). The sound of a bell, especially when rung solemnly at a funeral.
“They are of sick and diseased imaginations who would toll the world’s KNELL
so soon.”—Henry David Thoreau, American author and transcendentalist
1112/1316
sibilance (SIB-uh-lence). A hissing
sound.
Electronic engineers try mightily to eliminate any SIBILANCE introduced by
sound-reproduction equipment.
spirant (SPY-ruhnt). A sound produced
by the passage of breath through the partially closed oral cavity; fricative.
The “sh” and “v” sounds are both
SPIRANTS.
susurration (suss-uh-RAY-shun). A soft,
whispering sound.
I sat there on the porch of my parents’
farmhouse, listening to the
SUSURRATION of wind-driven stalks of
wheat.
1113/1316
timbre (TAM-bur). A quality of sound,
usually musical, determined by its overtones; a distinctive quality or tone.
I feel that the haunting TIMBRE of the
oboe, when played by a master, is more
moving than that of any other musical
instrument.
tintinnabulation (tin-ti-nab-yuh-LAYshun). The sound of ringing bells.
In my old neighborhood, we were always
woken on Sunday mornings by the
TINTINNABULATION of the local
churches.
tremolo (TREMM-uh-lo). A quality of
musical sound marked by rapid repetition
of one or two notes.
1114/1316
The pianist played extravagantly, adding
embellishments and trills of TREMOLO
far too often for my taste.
VERBS
crepitate (KREP-uh-tayt). To crack,
crinkle, or pop.
Joe jumped up and sat down several
times, as if to prove that his chair—and
not he—was CREPITATING.
ANTONYMS
aphonic (a-FON-ik). Not sounded; having aphonia, loss of voice.
In certain English words, the initial “k” is
APHONIC.
1115/1316
inaudible (in-AW-duh-bull). unable to
be heard.
The storm passed far to the south; we
could see the lightning flashes but the
thunder was INAUDIBLE.
191. Speech
(SPEECH), noun
The act of speaking; communicating or
expressing thoughts and ideas by spoken
words, sounds, and gestures.
1116/1316
ADJECTIVES
bombastic (bom-BAS-tik). Characterized
by haughty, overblown, or pompous talk
or writing.
We expected a compelling argument from
our attorney, but he came to court offering little more than a BOMBASTIC
harangue.
discursive (dis-KER-siv). A manner or
style of lecturing in which the speaker
rambles between many topics.
Paul’s DISCURSIVE lectures on American
history jumped from century to century,
yet it all came together in an understandable and fresh fashion.
1117/1316
extemporaneous (eks-tem-puh-RAYNee-us). Off the cuff; done without
preparation.
His EXTEMPORANEOUS delivery made
everyone in the public speaking class
wonder why he had enrolled.
grandiloquent (grand-IL-oh-kwent).
Having a pompous, overly inflated, hyperbolic, or pretentious way of presenting
oneself in speech and mannerism.
The architect waxed GRANDILOQUENT
about the visionary design of his new
skyscraper.
words.
1118/1316
prolix (pro-LIKS). Tediously wordy; long
and verbose.
The report was so PROLIX, I gave up trying to finish reading it.
reticent (REH-tih-sent). Reluctance to
openly express one’s thoughts, feelings,
and personal business to other people;
uncommunicative; behaving like an introvert in social situations.
“The shorter poems tend to be
RETICENT, psychologically acute love
poems about the shifting inequalities of
love.”—Edward Mendelson, Professor of
English and Comparative Literature at
Columbia University
1119/1316
sententious (sen-TEN-shuss). Tending
to use many clichés or maxims in order to
enlighten others.
Polonius’s SENTENTIOUS manner of
speaking clearly irritates Hamlet in this
scene.
NOUNS
elocution (el-oh-KEW-shun). The ability
to deliver a public speech in a clear and
persuasive manner.
He’s a brilliant man, but he needs to work
on his ELOCUTION.
euphony (YU-fun-ee). The arrangement
or emphasis of words or phrases so they
are pleasing to the ear and roll off the
tongue with greater ease.
1120/1316
In finishing school, Alsace learned the art
of EUPHONY, and she has parlayed that
into a hobby of earning roles in television
commercials.
filibuster (FILL-ih-bus-ter). A prolonged
speech used to delay legislative actions or
other important decisions.
The room breathed a collective sigh when
the senator finally ended his eight-hour
FILIBUSTER.
locution (low-KEW-shin). A person’s
manner and style of speaking.
Neil prides himself on his precise
LOCUTION, but some of the guys think he
sounds rather prissy.
1121/1316
malapropism (MAL-uh-prop-ism).
Misuse of a word or mangling of the English language, often done for comic effect.
Since Emily refused to take elocution lessons like the rest of us, her speech is constantly marred by ridiculous
MALAPROPISMS.
metaphor (MET-uh-for). A sentence or
phrase in which a word ordinarily associated with one thing is applied to
something else to indicate that in some
way they are similar.
“If we are a METAPHOR of the universe,
the human couple is the metaphor par
excellence, the point of intersection of all
forces and the seed of all
1122/1316
forms.”—Octavio Paz Lozano, Mexican
writer, poet, and diplomat
mot juste (MOE-zshoost). The perfect
word or phrase to communicate precisely
what you mean to say.
Years of elocution lessons have left
Paulina capable of leavening every occasion with a suitable MOT JUSTE.
orator (OR-ah-ter). A skilled and persuasive public speaker.
Tom overestimated his abilities as an
ORATOR and, consequently, stayed at the
podium far longer than the audience
wanted him to.
1123/1316
palaver (pa-LAH-ver). A rambling,
meandering monologue spoken to prove
or make a point.
Don’t ask Eileen about collecting art. The
result will be twenty minutes of mindnumbing PALAVER.
parlance (PAR-lunss). Vernacular or jargon used by a particular industry, profession, or group.
By using the terms “discourse,” “pedagogy,” and “literary criticism,” the professors spoke in the PARLANCE of
academia.
patois (PAT-wah). Rural speech or jargon; any language that deviates from
standard usage.
1124/1316
“I’ve given up trying to follow the PATOIS
of teenagers,” the teacher complained.
periphrasis (puh-RIF-ruh-sis). The use
of many words where one or a few would
suffice.
The lecture always ran late due to the
professor’s habit of PERIPHRASIS.
raconteur (RAK-on-tur). Someone who
enjoys telling stories, does so frequently,
and is good at it.
“O’Hara writes as a poetic one-man
band, shifting rapidly among his roles as
RACONTEUR, sexual adventurer,
European traveler…”—Edward Mendelson, Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University
1125/1316
soliloquy (suh-LIL-ih-kwee). A dramatic
or literary monologue in which a character
reveals his innermost thoughts.
The most famous SOLILOQUY in all of literature is the “To be or not to be” speech
in Hamlet.
VERBS
pontificate (pon-TIF-ih-kayt). To speak
in a dogmatic or pompous manner.
Can I assume the Senator now intends to
PONTIFICATE on the many virtues of
our current trade policy?
ANTONYMS
censor (SEN-ser). To examine, review,
and change or delete a word or passage
1126/1316
from a written work based on moral or
political grounds.
“If in other lands the press and books and
literature of all kinds are censored, we
must redouble our efforts here to keep
them free.”—Franklin D. Roosevelt,
American president
inarticulate (in-ar-TIK-yuh-lit). The
inability to express oneself; lacking clear
and expressive speech.
“The INARTICULATE speak
longest.”—Japanese proverb
See also: Language, Talk
192. Stupid
(STOO-pid), adjective
1127/1316
Lacking normal intelligence, understanding, or keenness of mind; slow-witted;
dull; foolish.
ADJECTIVES
asinine (ASS-ih-nine). Showing a very
noticeable lack of intelligence and/or good
sense.
I left halfway through the latest thriller
because I could feel its ASININE plot
depleting my brain cells.
benighted (bih-NY-tid). To be lost,
ignorant, or unenlightened.
The medieval period was a BENIGHTED
era of superstition.
1128/1316
besotted (bih-SOT-ed). Made foolish,
stupid, or dull due to infatuation.
Aline thinks Jake is BESOTTED with her,
but he’s really BESOTTED with her
father’s stock portfolio.
inane (in-ANE). Pointless or lacking in
substance; empty; vacuous.
Among other INANE suggestions, Jeff
proposed painting the lunchroom in a
polka-dot pattern.
obtuse (ob-TOOCE). Lacking understanding, intelligence, and perception;
unable to comprehend; having a dense
mind.
Thomas was so OBTUSE, he didn’t realize
his inappropriate behavior was making
his friends uncomfortable.
1129/1316
vacuous (VAK-yoo-uss). Characterized
by emptiness; devoid of emotion or intelligence; stupid; moronic.
The VACUOUS stare from her two eyes,
looking like raisins pushed into a lump of
dough, made him shiver with loathing
and contempt.
NOUNS
duffer (DUFF-uhr). An incompetent or
ineffectual person.
Maxwell can’t help being a DUFFER.
After all, his family has only been
wealthy for two generations.
lummox (LUM-ux). A dim-witted or
clumsy person; an oaf.
1130/1316
Sherman had a heart of gold, but when it
came to social etiquette, he was
something of a LUMMOX.
nescience (NESH-uhns). Lack of knowledge; ignorance.
Sociologists were sent to the region to
determine if the inhabitants’ poverty resulted in their NESCIENCE or vice versa.
yokel (YOH-kuhl). A gullible inhabitant
of a rural area; bumpkin.
“[A human being] is the YOKEL par excellence, the booby unmatchable, the king
dupe of the cosmos.”—H.L. Mencken,
American magazine editor, essayist, and
critic
1131/1316
ANTONYMS
acuity (uh-CUE-ih-tee). Keenness of perception; the ability to make quick, accurate decisions and evaluations.
Jane’s mental ACUITY enabled her to
think and respond quickly in a crisis.
ingenious (in-JEEN-yuhs). Having great
mental ability; clever; resourceful;
inventive.
“It will be found, in fact, that the
INGENIOUS are always fanciful, and the
truly imaginative never otherwise than
analytic.”—Edgar Allan Poe, American
writer and critic
1132/1316
193. Style
(STYL), noun
A manner of expression or custom of
behaving; manner of conduct.
ADJECTIVES
fin de siècle (fan-deh-see-ECK-luh).
Related to the fashions, art, ideas, etc.
associated with the end of the nineteenth
century.
Martin is an aficionado of FIN DE
SIÈCLE European art.
sartorial (sar-TOR-ee-al). Related to
clothing, especially tailored clothing.
1133/1316
Jonathan’s personal tailor always makes
sure that Jonathan radiates SARTORIAL
splendor.
soigné (swahn-YEY). Well taken care of,
well-groomed, well-dressed.
Arthur enjoyed interacting with the staff
at the best hotels, even the SOIGNÉ parking attendants.
tawdry (TAW-dree). Gaudy, showy, and
cheap, as clothes; or, base and mean, as
motives.
“Far from being the basis of the good
society, the family, with its narrow privacy and TAWDRY secrets, is the source
of all our discontents.”—Sir Edmund
Leach, British author
1134/1316
urbane (ur-BAYN). Suave, sophisticated,
refined, cosmopolitan, and well versed in
the ways of high society.
Even in his knock-around tennis whites,
Brett always manages to appear
URBANE.
NOUNS
couture (ko-TOOR). Clothing in the
latest and most popular styles created by
in-vogue fashion designers.
If Alyssia does not have the latest
COUTURE prior to its debut on Paris
runways, she will not deign to consider
wearing it.
dishabille (dis-uh-BEEL). Casual dress,
or a casual manner.
1135/1316
Jensen is such a stickler for proper attire
that he feels he is in a state of
DISHABILLE if he leaves the house
without an ascot.
haute couture (OAT-ko-TOOR). Highly
fashionable clothing on the cutting edge of
the latest design fads and trends.
“HAUTE COUTURE should be fun, foolish, and almost unwearable.”—Christian
Lacroix, French fashion designer
haut monde (oh-MOND). High society.
“The literary wiseacres prognosticate in
many languages, as they have
throughout so many centuries, setting the
stage for new HAUT MONDE in letters
and making up the public’s mind.”—Fannie Hurst, American novelist
1136/1316
panache (puh-NASH). A distinctive flair
or style; a flamboyant manner.
Rosamund was swept away by the
charming stranger’s PANACHE—he
seemed so dashing and romantic.
savoir faire (SAV-whar FAIR). Tact or
social skill.
I’m afraid Helen just doesn’t have the
SAVOIR FAIRE necessary to build coalitions in such a fractious organization.
ANTONYMS
dowdy (DOW-dee). Lacking stylishness
or smartness; old-fashioned.
After my grandmother retired, she
dropped her DOWDY pantsuits and
1137/1316
began to wear skirts and shoulder-exposing blouses.
passé (pah-SAY). No longer fashionable
or current.
Marge’s insistence that platform shoes
were PASSÉ led me to believe that she
hadn’t been keeping up with fashion
trends.
See also: Tasteful
194. Subservient
(sub-SUR-vee-ehnt), adjective
Acting or serving in a subordinate capacity; subordinate.
1138/1316
ADJECTIVES
ancillary (AN-sih-lair-ree). Secondary or
subordinate; serving an auxiliary or supportive function.
He took a great deal of pride in his work,
even though the pay was poor and most
of his duties were ANCILLARY to those of
the regional director.
obsequious (uhb-SEE-kwee-us). Subservient; eager to listen to and please others
to an excessive degree; behaving in the
manner of a servant or slave.
“[The political mind] is a strange mixture
of vanity and timidity, of an
OBSEQUIOUS attitude at one time and a
delusion of grandeur at another
1139/1316
time.—Calvin Coolidge, American
president
sequacious (si-KWAY-shuss). Given to
following another person, especially
without reason.
The king drew much of his strength from
the SEQUACIOUS peasants.
servile (SUR-vil). Overly eager to serve;
slavish.
Marion’s uncharacteristically SERVILE
demeanor can only mean one thing: He
wants a raise.
subaltern (sub-AWL-turn). Lower in
position or rank; secondary in
importance.
1140/1316
Stop giving me all these SUBALTERN
reasons for your behavior and tell me
what your true motivation is!
tractable (TRACK-tuh-bull). Easygoing;
compliant; easily managed.
The occasional kind comment seems
rather enough to keep our servants
TRACTABLE.
NOUNS
minion (MIN-yuhn). A follower of
someone in an important position.
The boss’s MINIONS were all yes-men,
blindly faithful and protective of their
position in the company hierarchy.
1141/1316
underling (UHN-der-ling). A person
with little authority or rank in comparison
to the person he serves; subordinate.
The police knew that the crime families
were fighting because of all the
UNDERLINGS who disappeared.
VERBS
genuflect (JEN-yu-flect). To bend one
knee to the floor; to act in a servile or
overly reverential way toward someone
else.
“The way Harold GENUFLECTS to Mr.
Thomas at staff meetings just makes me
want to barf,” Alice said.
prostrate (PROSS-trayt). To lie face
down on the ground due to being weary,
1142/1316
overthrown, or helpless, or as an act of
humility.
We were all embarrassed when Milt
almost PROSTRATED himself in front of
the boss.
subjugate (SUB-juh-gayt). To cause to
become subservient; to bring under complete control.
The dictator’s attempts to SUBJUGATE
his country’s smaller neighbors will end
in failure; mark my words.
truckle (TRUK-uhl). To submit
obsequiously to a command.
We have trained our servants to
TRUCKLE to our every whim.
1143/1316
ANTONYMS
eminent (EM-ih-nent). Prominent or
noted; of high esteem; outstanding and
distinguished.
I found the prospect of studying physics
under an EMINENT professor like Dr.
Maxwell, who had just won a Nobel
Prize, daunting to say the least.
supercilious (su-per-SILL-ee-us). Feeling superior to others; haughtily disdainful or contemptuous.
Linda grew up surrounded by wealth and
privilege and consequently adopted a
SUPERCILIOUS attitude with everyone
she met.
1144/1316
195. Support
(suh-PORT), verb
To give comfort, courage, faith to; to
approve; maintain; help; strengthen.
NOUNS
adherent (ad-HEER-unt). Someone who
adheres to an opinion; one who is devoted
to or strongly associated with a cause or
opinion.
The measure’s ADHERENTS were outspent by its opponents.
benediction (ben-ih-DIK-shun). A
formal blessing, an expression of good
wishes.
1145/1316
As the priest pronounced the
BENEDICTION, Julia thought about how
it would help her face the arduous day
ahead.
succor (SUCK-ur). Aid or assistance;
relief.
Although she did not participate in the
crime, Mrs. Helm was sentenced to five
years in prison for giving SUCCOR to
men she knew to be kidnappers.
VERBS
abet (uh-BET). To encourage or assist a
plan or activity; to entice or help, usually
in a misdeed.
Though Michael did not participate in the
actual kidnapping, he ABETTED the
1146/1316
perpetrators by hiding them from the
police.
advocate (AD-voe-kayt). To plead in
favor of another; recommend publicly.
If you need a recommendation, I’d be
happy to ADVOCATE for you.
buttress (BUT-riss). To support; to
strengthen by adding supportive features.
The spokesman was prepared to
BUTTRESS the president’s argument for
shutting down the branch office with a
list of statistics.
espouse (ih-SPOWZ). To advocate as
though one’s own.
1147/1316
Do you have any idea how complicated it
would be to implement the plans you are
ESPOUSING?
underwrite (UN-dur-ryt). To support as
by subsidy; to support in full as though
undertaking (a risk or venture) oneself.
A group of philanthropists
UNDERWRITES our drama department’s annual playwriting competition.
ANTONYMS
discommode (dis-kuh-MOHD). To
inconvenience; trouble; disturb.
Elizabeth turned over all the forms and
paperwork for her business to her lawyer
so it would not DISCOMMODE her any
further.
1148/1316
interdict (in-ter-DIKT). To prohibit; forbid the use of something.
The border patrol attempts to
INTERDICT the flow of illegal or banned
substances.
See also: Approval, Help
196. Sweet
(SWEET), adjective
Having the flavor or taste characteristic of
sugar or honey; not sour, bitter, or salty.
ADJECTIVES
cloying (KLOY-ing). Sickeningly sweet,
sappy, or sentimental.
1149/1316
“Minerva save us from the CLOYING
syrup of coercive compassion!”—Camille
Paglia, American author, feminist, and
social critic
mellifluous (muh-LIF-loo-us). Flowing
sweetly and smoothly.
Jane’s MELLIFLUOUS cello playing was
the envy of the other musicians.
saccharine (SAK-er-in). Very sweet to
the taste; sickeningly sweet.
There is a lucrative market for
SACCHARINE books and television
programs.
1150/1316
NOUNS
confection (kuhn-FEK-shun). A sweet
food of no nutritional value; a frivolous or
amusing artistic work.
She knew the play was merely a
CONFECTION for the masses, but
Beatrice enjoyed the music and acting
immensely.
VERBS
dulcify (DULL-suh-fy). To sweeten; to
make more agreeable.
Adding enough sugar will DULCIFY
almost anything.
1151/1316
edulcorate (ih-DUHL-kuh-rayt). To
make pleasant; to free from harshness; to
free from impurities by washing.
The ambassador hoped to EDULCORATE
the relationship with his intransigent
hosts.
mull (MUHL). To heat, sweeten, and flavor with spices.
Betsy loved to MULL cider; it filled her
house with a wonderful aroma.
ANTONYMS
acerbic (uh-SUR-bik). Sour in taste;
severe or harsh.
Many people, oblivious to his quiet attention, were crushed completely by Dan’s
ACERBIC wit.
1152/1316
piquant (PEE-kuhnt). Biting or tart;
pungent; stimulating.
Mary loved the PIQUANT flavor of salsa
and used it on almost everything.
T
197. Take
(TAYK), verb
To get possession of by skill or force;
seize; capture.
ADJECTIVES
rapacious (ruh-PAY-shuss). Given to
plunder or the forcible overpowering of
another.
The foe we face is a RAPACIOUS one who
thinks nothing of overrunning the weak if
it suits his purposes.
1154/1316
NOUNS
brigand (BRIG-und). One who lives as a
bandit, plundering riches.
The BRIGANDS held up the stagecoach
and terrified the passengers.
usurper (yu-SIR-per). A person who
seizes a position of power through illegal
means, force, or deception.
“A USURPER in the guise of a benefactor
is the enemy that we are now to
encounter and overcome.”—William Leggett, American poet and fiction writer
1155/1316
VERBS
arrogate (AIR-uh-gayt). To demand
something for oneself or to take control
without authority.
The way Nelson ARROGATES office
meetings drives his coworkers crazy!
despoil (dih-SPOIL). To deprive of possessions, things of value, etc. by force; rob;
plunder.
The unarmed citizens could only watch as
the soldiers DESPOILED their town.
expropriate (eks-PRO-pree-ayt). To
seize property or wealth from its owner
for the public’s use or benefit, as when the
state takes someone’s home under eminent domain to build a road through it.
1156/1316
The Bradfords are still reeling from the
fact that the state EXPROPRIATED a
portion of their gardens for a new
highway.
garnish (GAR-nihsh). To legally take a
portion of a person’s wages, property, and
assets to pay his debts.
If you do not pay your taxes within thirty
days, the county reserves the right to
GARNISH a portion of your wages until
the back taxes are paid in full.
maraud (muh-ROD). To loot or invade
for treasure.
The ship was waylaid by pirates
MARAUDING on the fourteenth of May.
1157/1316
procure (pro-KYOOR). To seek and
eventually gain ownership of something.
My book dealer recently PROCURED, at
considerable expense, a first edition of
Great Expectations for our library.
usurp (yoo-SURP). To assume forcibly
and/or without right; to take over.
The authority of Congress was indeed
USURPED by Lincoln during the war, but
legislators briskly reasserted themselves
once the crisis was past.
wrest (REST). To pull away; to take
something by force or threat.
“WREST once the law to your authority:
/ To do a great right, do a little
wrong.”—William Shakespeare
1158/1316
ANTONYMS
inalienable (in-AY-lee-un-a-bull).
Incapable of being taken away.
Although I have always believed freedom
of speech to be the INALIENABLE right of
every American, I must admit that the
diatribes of those who preach hate and
violence against members of my race are
awfully tough to stomach.
proffer (PROF-er). To place (something)
before someone; to offer.
John self-consciously PROFFERED his
homework to the teacher as if it were a
valuable gift.
1159/1316
198. Talk
(TAWK), verb
To put thoughts into and communicate by
spoken words; speak; converse.
ADJECTIVES
loquacious (loh-KWAY-shuss). Verbose;
chatty; the habit of talking nonstop.
Amy and Donna are each so
LOQUACIOUS, their average phone call
lasts ninety minutes.
orotund (OR-uh-tund). Distinguished by
strength, fullness, and clearness, as a
voice.
1160/1316
In a beguilingly OROTUND voice, the
conductor offered a synopsis of the evening’s opera.
voluble (VOL-yuh-bull). Characterized
by a ready flow of words; talkative; glib.
We chose a VOLUBLE candidate for the
important public relations position.
NOUNS
politician and the politician of the
1161/1316
credulity of the journalist”—Emory Klein,
American journalist
phraseology (fray-zee-AH-lo-jee). The
way phrases and words are employed.
With her excellent diction, articulation,
and PHRASEOLOGY, Holly had a gift for
public speaking and debate.
somniloquence (som-NIL-oh-kwence).
The act of talking in one’s sleep.
Jean’s SOMNILOQUENCE was responsible for revealing much more of her past
than she had intended.
VERBS
aver (uh-VER). To assert the truthfulness
of a statement.
1162/1316
“‘Has she no faults, then (Envy says), sir?’
/ Yes, she has one, I must AVER: / When
all the world conspires to praise her, /
The woman’s deaf, and does not
hear.”—Alexander Pope, British poet
blather (BLATHE-r). To gabble or talk
ridiculously; to talk nonsense or discuss
meaningless issues for extended periods.
We tried to leave the party, but Mark
insisted on BLATHERING endlessly to the
hostess about his new car.
bloviate (BLOH-vee-ate). To speak pompously and at length.
1163/1316
confabulate (kuhn-FAB-yuh-layt). To
chat or converse informally.
Jarod proceeded to CONFABULATE
about the wines most recently added to
the family cellar.
descant (des-KANT). To talk freely and
without inhibition.
Eloise is always more than willing to
DESCANT concerning her past liaisons.
elide (ee-LYD). To leave out a sound or
syllable when speaking; to eliminate the
distinctive barrier separating levels.
When Catherine ELIDES the “g” at the
end of certain words, she betrays her
Southern origins.
1164/1316
elucidate (ee-LOO-sih-dayt). To lecture,
explain, or pontificate about a subject in
great detail so as to make it exceeding
clear.
“It [was] the mission of the twentieth century to ELUCIDATE the irrational.”—Maurice Merleau-Ponty, French
philosopher
enunciate (ee-NUN-see-ayt). To pronounce words carefully and clearly; to
speak in a manner that makes you easily
understood.
No one will listen to him until he stops
mumbling and learns to ENUNCIATE.
expatiate (ik-SPAY-she-ayt). To speak or
write in detail or at length.
1165/1316
I just tuned out Tyrone as he began to
EXPATIATE again on his troubled relationship with Mavis.
gesticulate (jes-TIH-cue-layt). To use
gestures when talking, especially when
eager or excited to get ideas across.
“Okay, the man in the yellow shirt,” the
seminar leader said, pointing to an audience member who was GESTICULATING
wildly.
babble.
1166/1316
perorate (PER-uh-rayt). To speak at
length; to conclude a speech.
While Lincoln could be concise, Edward
Everett was known for his ability to
PERORATE.
transcendentalist
reiterate (re-IT-uh-rayt). To restate or
say again; to repeat.
1167/1316
Let me REITERATE: There will be no
exception to the official policy on removing unauthorized recordings from the
studio.
ANTONYMS
mute (MYOOT). Unable or unwilling to
speak; silent.
Throughout the long and contentious
trial, the defendant remained impassive
and MUTE.
tacit (TAS-it). Making no sound; silent;
saying nothing.
Seeking every advantage, Carolyn
offered a TACIT prayer before her physics exam.
See also: Language, Speech
1168/1316
199. Tasteful
(TAYST-fuhl), adjective
Having or showing a good sense of aesthetic discernment, judgment, or
appreciation.
ADJECTIVES
decorous (DEK-er-us). Behaving in a
manner acceptable to polite society; having good taste and good manners.
“Another week with these DECOROUS
drones and I’ll jump out the window,” the
young girl complained to her mother of
her fellow debutantes.
1169/1316
discriminative (dih-SKRIM-uh-naytiv). Discriminating; discerning; making
distinctions.
We appreciated Alan’s
DISCRIMINATIVE sensibilities and
looked to him for guidance before any
gastronomic outing.
genteel (jen-TEEL). Well-bred and possessing a refined temperament.
“[I am] a journalist in the field of
etiquette. I try to find out what the most
GENTEEL people regularly do, what traditions they have discarded, what compromises they have made.”—Amy
Vanderbilt, American etiquette expert
1170/1316
NOUNS
epicure (EP-ih-kyoor). One who cultivates refined tastes, especially in reference
to food and drink; connoisseur.
Matt, who never seemed at all interested
in gourmet dining, has suddenly become
something of an EPICURE.
punctilio (pungk-TIL-ee-o). A fine point
of etiquette.
“Don’t use dessert forks during the main
course, please,” my grandmother intoned,
refering to one of her favorite
PUNCTILIOS.
1171/1316
ANTONYMS
brassy (BRASS-ee). Brazen; cheap or
showy.
The promotional campaign struck a
BRASSY, daring tone that instantly won
consumer attention.
crass (KRASS). Coarse and crude in
actions, manner, and language.
Will you please remember that you’re
over fifty and stop being so CRASS?
ribald (RIB-uld). Lewd; off-color, as
humor.
“It is… useful to distinguish between the
pornographic, condemned in every society, and the bawdy, the RIBALD, the
shared vulgarities and jokes, which are
1172/1316
the safety valves of most social systems.”—Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist
uncouth (un-KOOTH). Crude, without
manners, unrefined.
Carl had an unfortunate way of belching
loudly in public places, guessing (accurately and loudly) whether or not someone
he just met had undergone plastic surgery, and otherwise acting in an
UNCOUTH manner in front of strangers.
unsavory (un-SAYV-err-ee). Distasteful;
unpleasant; disreputable; of dubious
reputation.
“Our future is inextricably linked to what
happens in Washington, D.C., and we
know that is a very UNSAVORY
1173/1316
reality.”—Don Libey, direct marketing
advisor
See also: Style
200. Teem
(TEEM), verb
To abound or swarm.
ADJECTIVES
rife (RYF). Prevalent, abundant,
abounding.
The hotel was RIFE with tourists, so we
quickly went upstairs to the penthouse.
1174/1316
NOUNS
brouhaha (BROO-ha-ha). A confusing,
exciting, and turmoil-rife event.
Madeline caused a BROUHAHA when she
told her parents she was eschewing Harvard for a state school in order to be
closer to her boyfriend.
melee (MAY-lay). A confused struggle
involving many people.
“The man who is in the MELEE knows
what blows are being struck and what
blood is being drawn.”—Woodrow Wilson
1175/1316
VERBS
harry (HAIR-ee). To torment with constant attacks.
ran at them and HARRIED
1176/1316
them.”—William Butler Yeats, Irish poet
and dramatist
ANTONYMS
tradition enclave to a more INSULAR
compound further up the coast.
isolationism (eye-so-LAY-shin-iz-um).
A foreign policy in which a country deliberately keeps its relationships and interactions with other nations to a bare
minimum, effectively isolating itself from
world affairs.
1177/1316
In the early twentieth century, American
ISOLATIONISM stopped the U.S. from
joining the League of Nations.
mathematician
201. Tenacious
(tuh-NAY-shuss), adjective
Persistent, stubborn, obstinate.
1178/1316
ADJECTIVES
intrepid, and bold.
indefatigable (in-deh-FAT-uh-guhbull). Capable of continuing along one’s
current course of action without wavering,
tiring, or faltering.
“We are truly INDEFATIGABLE in
providing for the needs of the body, but
we starve the soul.”—Ellen Wood, British
playwright
intractable (in-TRAK-tuh-bull). Difficult
to control or manage.
1179/1316
“It is precisely here, where the writer
fights with the raw, the INTRACTABLE,
that poetry is born.”—Doris Lessing, British author
NOUNS
avarice (AV-uh-riss). The insatiable
desire to have a lot of money, greed.
“What you call AVARICE,” Mary said, “I
just call getting my share.”
leverage (LEV-er-ij). Possessing an
advantage or extra degree of influence in a
given situation.
With his family’s connections, Eldridge
required no LEVERAGE to obtain a sinecure in the financial industry.
1180/1316
VERBS
beleaguer (beh-LEE-gir). To persistently
surround, harass, or pester until you get
what you want.
To the embarrassment of her friends,
Kristen BELEAGUERED the sommelier
until he brought her a satisfactory
Bordeaux.
wrest (REST). To pull away; to take
something by force or threat.
“WREST once the law to your authority:
/ To do a great right, do a little
wrong.”—William Shakespeare
1181/1316
ANTONYMS
held near and dear.
perfunctory (per-FUNK-ter-ee). Implemented or executed quickly, without
much care or thought put into it.
“The tale is so contrived and
PERFUNCTORY that many readers will
be tempted to skip to the real story in the
second half of the book.”—Tim Parks,
British novelist
1182/1316
by being evasive or indecisive.
When an officious socialite tries to get too
close to us, we do not feel the need to
TEMPORIZE with our response; we
simply remind her of her place.
202. Think
(THINK), verb
To exercise rational judgment; to produce
ideas, decisions, memories, etc.; to reflect
upon.
NOUNS
metaphysics (met-uh-FIZ-iks). The
study of abstract ideas and principles that
1183/1316
cannot be demonstrated through physical
evidence.
“During my METAPHYSICS final, I
cheated by looking into the soul of the
person sitting next to me.”—Woody Allen,
American film director, writer, and
comedian
VERBS
cogitate (KOJ-ih-tayt). To think about or
ponder seriously.
The president, never one to be pressured
into a decision, closed the discussion by
saying he needed another week to
COGITATE on the matter.
educe (ee-DYOOCE). To come to a conclusion or solve a problem through
1184/1316
reasoning based on thoughtful consideration of the facts.
When we noticed that their house
appeared to be abandoned, we EDUCED
that the Wallertons were enduring financial difficulties.
excogitate (ex-KAWJ-ih-tayt). To think
something through carefully; to devise.
Dad spent so much time EXCOGITATING
a route to the airport that we missed our
flight.
muse (MYOOZ). To meditate on; to consider closely.
Phyllis MUSED over the advertising campaign for some days before finally
approving it.
1185/1316
ruminate (ROO-muh-nayt). To ponder
or review; to go over in the mind
repeatedly.
Elaine was still RUMINATING over
whether or not to attend college in the
fall.
speculate (SPEK-yoo-layt). To consider
possible future events; to conjecture. To
invest money in a stock market or business venture.
“There are two times in a man’s life when
he should not SPECULATE: when he can’t
afford it, and when he can.”—Mark
Twain, American humorist and author
surmise (sur-MYZ). To guess; to come to
a conclusion (often without strong
evidence).
1186/1316
We SURMISED that Leanna had declined
the invitation to Arthur’s birthday party
simply because she didn’t want to buy
him a gift.
ANTONYMS
disregard (dis-rhi-GARD). To pay little
or no attention to; neglect.
“Painting is a faith, and it imposes the
duty to DISREGARD public opinion.”—Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter
inconscient (in-KON-shuhnt). Mindless;
unconscious.
Alan acted with INCONSCIENT abandon
at school and was consequently expelled.
See also: Learn, Understanding
1187/1316
203. Time
(TYM), noun
The period between two events during
which something happens, exists, or acts;
duration considered as that in which
events occur and succeed each other; a
system to measure the relation between
the occurrence of events.
ADJECTIVES
biennial (by-EN-ee-hl). Happening every
second year.
Ms. Webster argues that the summer
Olympics, which now occurs every four
years, should become a BIENNIAL event.
1188/1316
coeval (koh-EE-vuhl). Of the same
period, having the same duration, or being
of the same age.
It’s interesting to think that the squeaky
clean Cleavers of Leave It to Beaver and
the society-shunning members of the Beat
Generation were COEVAL.
diurnal (dy-UR-nuhl). Taking place or
being active during daylight hours.
The house staff knows not even to
approach Nora’s bedroom door before
twilight because she totally rejects a
DIURNAL lifestyle.
ephemeral (ih-FEM-uh-ruhl). Lasting
only a short while.
Our school’s joy at winning the state basketball championship turned out to be
1189/1316
EPHEMERAL, as the title was suspended
when officials learned of the presence of
an ineligible player on the team’s roster.
mensal (MEN-suhl). Monthly.
The board established MENSAL
meetings.
prevenient (pruh-VEEN-yuhnt). Coming
before; preceding.
It was necessary to hold a PREVENIENT
meeting to prepare for the primary
meeting.
quondam (KWAHN-dumm). Former; atone-time.
You should not hire the Wilkersons’
QUONDAM servant because she has been
known to break many objets d’art.
1190/1316
quotidian (kwo-TID-ee-uhn). Familiar;
commonplace; occurring every day.
Despite closets full of the latest Parisian
couture, Alison’s QUOTIDIAN complaint
is that she has “nothing to wear.”
neolithic (nee-oh-LITH-ik). Of or pertaining to the latter part of the Stone Age,
when ground stone weapons and tools
first came into use; unsophisticated; outdated; passé.
In these days of computers and word processors, many consider the old-fashioned
manual typewriter positively
NEOLITHIC.
retrograde (RET-ruh-grayd). Reverting
to an earlier state, condition, or style;
harkening to an earlier time and place.
1191/1316
William was unable to recognize his family or remember any events of his past
due to a case of RETROGRADE amnesia.
senescent (si-NESS-uhnt). Growing old;
aging; characteristic of old age.
His SENESCENT viewpoint put him at a
disadvantage when competing with
younger candidates.
sesquicentennial (ses-kwuh-sen-TENee-uhl). Pertaining to a period of 150
years.
A committee was formed to plan Civil
War SESQUICENTENNIAL events for the
town.
synchronous (SING-kruh-nus). Taking
place at the same time.
1192/1316
The Smythingtons and the Lyttons caused
quite a stir among their social contacts
after they scheduled SYNCHRONOUS
galas.
temporal (TEM-por-uhl). Relating to
time.
“Science is the language of the
TEMPORAL world; love is that of the
spiritual world.”—Honoré de Balzac,
French novelist and playwright
topical (TOP-ih-kuhl). Having to do with
issues of current or local interest.
Glenda is always reading magazines so
she can keep up with TOPICAL issues and
have something to say when encountering new clients.
1193/1316
transient (TRAN-zee-unt). Temporary;
lacking permanence.
“To the artist is sometimes granted a sudden, TRANSIENT insight which serves in
this matter for experience. A flash, and
where previously the brain held a dead
fact, the soul grasps a living truth! At
moments we are all artists.”—Arnold
Bennett, English novelist
ultimo (UL-tih-mo). Of or in the calendar
month preceding the current one.
On the 23rd ULTIMO, I was informed by
counsel that an indictment would be
forthcoming.
vernal (VER-nul). Related to spring.
“One impulse from a VERNAL wood /
May teach you more of man, / Of moral
1194/1316
evil and of good, / Than all the sages
can.”—William Wordsworth, British
Romantic poet
NOUNS
equinox (EK-wih-nox). The point in a
year when the sun crosses the equator,
causing night and day to be of roughly
equal length everywhere on Earth.
The vernal (or spring) EQUINOX generally occurs around March 21; the autumnal equinox, around September 22.
hiatus (hi-A-tuss). An interruption or
break in time or continuity.
Lorelei’s coming-out party was a welcome HIATUS in our otherwise uneventful social calendar.
1195/1316
moratorium (mor-uh-TOR-ee-um). An
authorized period of delay.
The city council voted to place a sixmonth MORATORIUM on new commercial development.
nanosecond (NAN-o-sek-und). One billionth of a second; an extremely short
period of time.
It seemed the phone was on the hook for
only a NANOSECOND before it rang
again.
respite (RESS-pit). A reprieve; a temporary delay; an instance of temporary relief.
The accused was granted a RESPITE
before serving his sentence.
1196/1316
solstice (SOUL-stiss). A day of the year
during which the sun is at its highest or
lowest point in the sky, causing the
shortest day of the year on December 21
(winter solstice) and the longest day of the
year on June 21 (summer solstice).
We open our lake house for the summer
season every year at the SOLSTICE.
VERBS
by being evasive or indecisive; to suit
one’s actions to the time or occasion; to
agree or comply temporarily.
I unleashed a longwinded backstory in an
effort to TEMPORIZE while I came up
1197/1316
with a logical explanation for my
behavior.
ANTONYMS
amaranthine (am-uh-RAN-thin).
Unfading; undying; deathless; everlasting.
Sally vowed her AMARANTHINE love to
Brian.
infinite (IN-fuh-nit). Lacking limits or
bounds; of an unmeasurable duration.
The recital lasted just forty-five minutes,
but for Joyce, listening to the screeching
violins and discordant tones, it seemed
INFINITE.
1198/1316
204. Travel
(TRAV-uhl), verb
To go from one place to another; take a
trip; journey.
ADJECTIVES
errant (AIR-unt). Given to travel; wandering about aimlessly.
The buzzing of ERRANT flies practically
wrecked the contentment I had been feeling while sitting on the dock.
itinerant (eye-TIN-er-unt). Traveling
from place to place with a purpose.
1199/1316
While I was between jobs, I worked as an
ITINERANT farmer.
peripatetic (per-ih-pa-TET-ik). Wandering without a clear goal or definiteness of
purpose.
lifestyle.
wayfaring (WAY-fair-ing). Traveling on
foot.
We spent many WAYFARING weekends
during our month-long jaunt in France
last year.
1200/1316
NOUNS
conveyance (kuhn-VAY-unts). A device
that serves to transport something or
someone.
Our visit to the “wild west” site was
greatly enhanced by a ride on an authentic CONVEYANCE: a Conestoga wagon.
jaunt (JAWNT). A short journey taken
for pleasure.
Nicole plans to take a JAUNT across the
southern tip of Africa next year.
sojourn (SO-jern). A temporary visit or
stay.
The Israelites’ SOJOURN in the desert
lasted for forty long years.
1201/1316
Times
VERBS
amble (AM-bul). To walk in an easy or
leisurely manner; to saunter or stroll.
The day’s last customer AMBLED from
one end of the shop to the other; no
amount of staring from the clerk, it
seemed, could make him come to the
register.
gallivant (GAL-uh-vant). To wander
about seeking amusement or pleasure; to
1202/1316
go about indiscreetly with members of the
opposite sex.
Because he required little sleep, Mark
could GALLIVANT almost continuously.
humiliations GAMBOL on sunny afternoons.”—W. H. Auden, Anglo-American
poet
maraud (muh-ROD). To wander in
search of booty; to loot or invade for
treasure.
The ship was waylaid by pirates
MARAUDING on the fourteenth of May.
1203/1316
aimlessly.
task to task.
perambulate (puh-RAM-byuh-layt). To
walk around; to stroll or saunter.
The elderly couple PERAMBULATED the
city streets every night after dinner.
peregrinate (PER-ih-gruh-nayt). To
travel about on foot.
The ascetics preferred to PEREGRINATE,
eschewing all motorized travel.
saunter (SON-tur). To walk leisurely or
for pleasure.
1204/1316
On Sunday afternoons, Mr. Weeks would
SAUNTER through Central Park gathering material for his short stories.
skulk (skulk). To move about furtively or
quietly.
After she lost her job, Lea SKULKED
around the town at odd hours, hoping to
avoid her former colleagues.
wend (WEND). To go; to proceed.
“As they WEND away / A voice is heard
singing / Of Kitty, or Katy, / As if the
name meant once / All love, all
beauty.”—Philip Larkin, British poet,
novelist, and jazz critic
1205/1316
ANTONYMS
bide (BYD). To abide; dwell; wait;
remain.
Martin did not like to travel but would
BIDE at home without the least curiosity
about other places.
tarry (TAR-ee). To delay; linger; loiter;
be tardy.
“The life of man is a long march through
the night, surrounded by invisible foes,
tortured by weariness and pain, towards
a goal that few can hope to reach, and
where none may TARRY long.”—Bertrand Russell, English logician and
philosopher
1206/1316
205. True
(TROO), adjective
In accordance with fact; agreeing with
reality; not false; loyal; faithful.
ADJECTIVES
incontrovertible (in-kahn-trah-VERtih-bull). Beyond question or dispute.
“Some minds are as little logical or argumentative as nature; they can offer no
reason or “guess,” but they exhibit the solemn and INCONTROVERTIBLE
fact.”—Henry David Thoreau, American
1207/1316
veritable (VER-ih-tuh-bull). Authentic;
true; undeniably legitimate or actual.
The cardboard boxes contained a
VERITABLE treasure trove of Civil War
artifacts, probably worth tens of thousands of dollars.
NOUNS
paradox (PAIR-uh-doks). A seemingly
absurd and self-contradicting situation
that seems impossible but may in fact be
true.
The article profiled a man who was a real
PARADOX; he was grossly overweight,
yet had tremendous athletic stamina.
veracity (ver-ASS-ih-tea). The characteristic or habit of being truthful and
1208/1316
conforming to accepted standards of
behavior.
“The world is upheld by the VERACITY of
good men: they make the earth wholesome.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet, essayist, and transcendentalist
verisimilitude (ver-uh-si-MIL-ih-tood).
Having the appearance of truth;
probability.
The speech, while obviously heartfelt,
unfortunately lacked VERISIMILITUDE.
ANTONYMS
aspersion (uh-SPUR-zhun). False accusation; slander.
1209/1316
I will not allow you to cast these
ASPERSIONS on a man whose career has
been so distinguished.
fabulist (FAB-yuh-list). A liar; someone
who tells outrageously untrue stories.
Sir Gerald, a notorious FABULIST, was
not consulted for an authoritative
account of the crime.
mendacity (Men-DA-sit-tee). A tendency
toward or habit of being dishonest.
“The human condition is composed of
unequal parts of courage, friendship,
ethics, self-sacrifice, brutality, degeneracy, and MENDACITY.”—Harlan Ellison,
American author
U
206. Umbrage
(UM-brij), noun
To take exception to and be offended by a
comment or action seen as a slight or
insult.
ADJECTIVES
1211/1316
author
that he’ll instantly grow BELLICOSE if
importunate (ihm-PORE-chuh-nitt).
Urgent and persistent in solicitation, to
the point of annoyance.
“Sisters are always drying their hair. /
Locked into rooms, alone, / They pose at
the mirror, shoulders bare, / Trying this
1212/1316
way and that their hair, / Or fly
IMPORTUNATE down the stair / To
answer the telephone.”—Phyllis McGinley, American poet
NOUNS
contretemps (KON-treh-tahn). An inopportune occurrence with embarrassing
results.
“Pan had been amongst them… the little
god Pan, who presides over social
CONTRETEMPS and unsuccessful picnics.”—E.M. Forster, English novelist
imprecation (IM-pre-kay-shun). A curse
spoken aloud.
1213/1316
Thomas muttered IMPRECATIONS as he
circled the airfield, waiting for clearance
to land his Airbus 380.
VERBS
deprecate (DEPP-rih-kayt). To express
1214/1316
impugn (ihm-PYOON). To attack as false
or wrong.
“I do not IMPUGN the motives of any one
opposed to me. It is no pleasure to me to
triumph over any one.”—Abraham
Lincoln
ANTONYMS
author
1215/1316
British statesmen and literary figure
innocuous (ih-NAHK-yew-us). Not
207. Uncaring
(uhn-KAR-ing), noun
1216/1316
The state of unconcern; lack of worry;
inattentiveness; thoughtlessness; apathy.
ADJECTIVES
cavalier (kav-uh-LEER). Unconcerned
with what is considered important; nonchalantly unengaged, especially with
regard to serious matters.
His CAVALIER attitude toward financial
management may be his company’s
undoing.
cursory (KUR-suh-ree). Performed with
haste and without care.
Mrs. Wallace avoided giving tests on the
Friday before a vacation, as she knew her
1217/1316
students’ efforts would be CURSORY at
best.
desultory (DEH-sul-tor-ee). Lacking
guidance or progressing randomly; aimless; fitful.
Unable to believe it was his last day on
the job, Bill’s DESULTORY thoughts
wandered through his mind.
feckless (FEK-less). Ineffective; careless;
lacking definitiveness of purpose.
Some accuse us of being FECKLESS, but
they have no idea how difficult it is to live
a wealth-infused lifestyle.
incogitant (in-KOJ-uh-tuhnt). Thoughtless, inconsiderate.
1218/1316
Bill never became accustomed to Ann’s
continual INCOGITANT acts.
indolent (IN-duh-lnt). Lazy, as a way of
life; inactive and unlikely to exert oneself.
Peter, an INDOLENT young man, spent
his young days gazing out the window
daydreaming.
insensate (in-SENS-ayt). Without
human feeling, or lacking judgment and
good sense.
Owen’s INSENSATE behavior the morning after their tryst made Amy realize
she’d made a mistake in asking him to
stay the night.
1219/1316
insouciant (in-SOO-see-unt). Acting as
if one has not a care in the world; free of
worry and angst.
We are never INSOUCIANT about our
wealth because we must work at all times
to ensure its protection.
intemperate (in-TEM-prit). Refers to a
person who indulges his own whims and
fancies without regard to other people’s
feelings or inconvenience.
“Certainly it was ordained as a scourge
upon the pride of human wisdom, that
the wisest of us all, should thus outwit
ourselves, and eternally forego our purposes in the INTEMPERATE act of pursuing them.”—Laurence Sterne, Irish-born
English novelist and Anglican clergyman
1220/1316
lackadaisical (lack-uh-DAY-zih-kuhl).
Lazy and indolent; lacking determination.
No matter how many times a week her
father allows her to go on a spending
spree, Millicent is never
LACKADAISACAL about her trips to
Cartier.
laggard (LAG-uhrd). Moving sluggishly
and reacting slowly.
“Reviewers… must normally function as
huff-and-puff artists blowing LAGGARD
theatergoers stageward.”—Walter Kerr,
American theater critic
perfunctory (per-FUNK-ter-ee). Implemented or executed quickly, without
much care or thought put into it.
1221/1316
“The tale is so contrived and
PERFUNCTORY that many readers will
be tempted to skip to the real story in the
second half of the book.”—Tim Parks,
British novelist
remiss (rih-miss). Negligent or careless.
Our servants know that if they ever are
REMISS in their duties, we will quickly
fire them.
supine (SOO-pine). Apathetic; indolent;
passive.
Damon found the marketing department
SUPINE when it came to implementing
ideas.
1222/1316
NOUNS
ennui (on-WEE). Apathy and lack of
energy caused by boredom and
disinterest.
“And he spoke of ENNUI, of jaded appetites, of nights and days aboard a moonstone vessel as large as a city.”—Harlan
fainéant (fay-nay-AHNT). Someone who
is lazy and idle.
I spent my vacation as a FAINÉANT, so I
found it hard to focus on work once I
returned to my “real life.”
improvidence (im-PRAH-vih-dense). A
rash action performed without careful
consideration or deliberation.
1223/1316
“This made him think of all the nights…
spending his youth with the casual
IMPROVIDENCE of a millionaire.”—Richard Matheson, American science fiction writer
lotus-eater (LOH-tus-ee-ter). A person
who leads a life of indolence and ease,
unaware of reality and duty.
Raymond considered adopting the lifestyle of a LOTUS-EATER, but could not
reconcile his income to the task.
torpor (TORE-purr). Temporary loss of
the power of motion or sensation;
dormancy; apathy; indifference.
“A multitude of causes unknown to
former times are now acting with a combined force to blunt the discriminating
1224/1316
powers of the mind, and unfitting it for
all voluntary exertion to reduce it to a
state of almost savage TORPOR.”—William Wordsworth, British Romantic poet
ANTONYMS
discernment (dih-SURN-muhnt). The
power of discerning; keen perception or
judgment; insight.
“The supreme end of education is expert
DISCERNMENT of all things.”—Samuel
Johnson, English poet and critic
solicitude (suh-LIS-ih-tood). The state
of being concerned and anxious.
Amy’s SOLICITUDE for John’s welfare
while he was overseas demonstrated a
newfound concern for him as a friend.
1225/1316
208. Understanding
(uhn-der-STAN-ding), noun
The mental state and process of a person
who understands; comprehension;
discernment.
ADJECTIVES
cognizant (KOG-nih-sint). Aware of the
realities of a situation.
Amanda is always COGNIZANT of her
acquaintances’ pedigrees.
implicit (im-PLIH-set). understood but
not stated directly.
1226/1316
“The vanity of men, a constant insult to
women, is also the ground for the
IMPLICIT feminine claim of superior
sensitivity and morality.”—Patricia
Meyer Spacks, American literary critic
lucid (LOO-sid). Intelligible; clear to the
understanding.
The documentary gave a lucid account of
the underlying causes of the events.
luciferous (loo-SI-fuh-ruhs). Providing
Blake did not find his college courses
recondite (REHK-un-dite). Beyond typical knowledge and understanding.
1227/1316
For most people, opera, polo, and fine
wine remain RECONDITE subjects.
tacit (TASS-it). Implied; understood
without being openly explained or
expressed.
The men took their sergeant’s harsh language toward Ned as TACIT approval of
their own abusive behavior toward him.
NOUNS
perspicacity (per-spih-KASS-ih-tee).
Insightfuness; keen understanding.
The problem was a complex one that
required the analysis of someone with
great PERSPICACITY.
1228/1316
profundity (pruh-FUN-dih-tee). Depth
of reasoning or insight; great understanding and intellectual incisiveness.
A paper’s length is no indication of its
PROFUNDITY.
savoir faire (SAV-wahr-FAIR). An evident sense of confidence, optimism, and
proficiency in the task at hand.
Eileen hosted a charity luncheon for forty
people with her usual SAVOIR FAIRE.
VERBS
peruse (puh-ROOZ). To read through
with attention; to examine with an eye to
detail.
1229/1316
The witness PERUSED the document for
some time, then declared that it was not
the one he had signed.
ANTONYMS
transcendent (tran-SEN-dent). Beyond
the realm of normal experience or understanding; transcending customary bounds
of perception.
While the astronauts reacted in different
ways to the TRANSCENDENT experience
of space travel, all were profoundly
affected by the experience.
See also: Judgment, Learn, Think
209. Unreal
(uhn-REE-uhl), adjective
1230/1316
Not real or actual; imaginary; fantastic;
illusory; false; artificial.
ADJECTIVES
incorporeal (in-core-PORE-ee-al). Lacking form.
The moanings and low rumblings in the
old house suggested INCORPOREAL visitors to Kate.
ineffable (in-EF-uh-bull). So fantastic,
incredible, or difficult to grasp it cannot
be described in words.
Poet Ezra Pound wrote of “the infinite
and INEFFABLE quality of the British
empire.”
1231/1316
intangible (in-TAN-juh-bul). Incapable
of being touched, felt, or calculated.
Friends berated me for breaking up with
Matthew, but there was something
INTANGIBLE missing from the relationship, something I couldn’t do without.
spectral (SPEK-trul). Reminiscent of
ghosts or spirits; gruesome and
otherworldly.
Scrooge’s SPECTRAL visitors take different forms, but each is interested in the
same thing: the redemption of the old
man’s heart.
surreal (suh-REEL). Possessing a quality
that makes something seem unreal;
strange; bizarre; almost other-worldly.
1232/1316
“He seemed to toss them all into the
mixed salads of his poetry with the same
indifference to form and logic, the same
domesticated SURREALISM, that characterized much of the American avantgarde of the period.”—Frank O’Hara,
American poet
NOUNS
chimera (kih-MEER-uh). An illusion or
fabrication; an imaginary monster.
“What a CHIMERA then is humankind.
What a novelty! What a monster, what a
chaos!”—Blaise Pascal, French
philosopher
dystopia (diss-TOPE-ee-uh). An imaginary society characterized by human
1233/1316
misery, squalor, fear, oppression, and
hunger.
A popular genre of motion pictures features the postapocalyptic DYSTOPIA.
apparition; or, the image of an ideal
nonentity (non-EN-tih-tee). A person or
thing considered completely unimportant
or that exists only in the imagination.
You may safely regard this clause of the
contract as a NONENTITY; it is obsolete
and completely unenforceable.
1234/1316
phantasmagoria (fan-taz-muh-GOREee-uh). A dreamlike, constantly changing
series of visions.
The avant-garde film had no dialogue or
plot in the traditional sense; it was essentially a PHANTASMAGORIA set to music.
philter (FIL-tur). A magical love potion.
Thinking the glass contained Evian
water, Veronica drained the PHILTER to
its dregs; her eyes met those of the
startled butler, and she melted with
tenderness.
phoenix (FEE-niks). A mythical bird
about the size of an eagle, but with brilliantly colored plumage, that dies by fire
and then is reborn from the ashes.
1235/1316
One day the PHOENIX appeared in the
forests of France, and legend has it that
all the other birds become instantly
jealous.
thaumaturge (THAW-mah-turj). A person who works miracles.
If you were ever to see Hannah early in
the morning, just after she has awoken,
then you would know her personal makeup artist is the epitome of a
THAUMATURGE.
Triton (TRY-ton). A mythical creature,
similar to a mermaid, with a human torso
and arms, gills under the ears, and a tail
like a dolphin.
TRITONS served Neptune as his
attendants.
1236/1316
utopia (you-TOE-pee-uh). A perfect or
ideal society.
Many of us who are accustomed to
wealth have learned to accept that we
must make our own UTOPIAS, rather
than to rely on the actions of outside
forces or agencies.
Xanadu (ZAN-uh-dyoo). A place of perfect, idyllic beauty.
“In XANADU did Kubla Khan / A stately
pleasure-dome decree: / Where Alph, the
sacred river, ran / Through caverns
measureless to man / Down to a sunless
sea”—Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English
poet
yeti (YEH-tee). The (legendary) Abominable Snowman.
1237/1316
Carl claims to have photographic evidence of the Loch Ness Monster, several
UFOs, and a large gray YETI, but I have
yet to see any of it.
ANTONYMS
de facto (dee-FAK-toe). Existing in fact
but not officially.
Although we eschew titles, Sasha clearly
is the DE FACTO head of our arts-patronage club.
substantive (SUHB-stuhn-tiv). Existing
independently; having a real existence;
actual.
After the election, the local blogs were full
of criticism written by people who did not
1238/1316
vote and had no SUBSTANTIVE
complaints.
210. Utopia
(you-TOE-pee-uh), noun
A perfect or ideal society.
ADJECTIVES
luciferous (loo-SI-fuh-ruhs). Providing
1239/1316
Blake did not find the Ivy League
salutary (SAL-you-tore-ee). To have a
soothing or healing effect; helping recover
or benefit from a situation.
Tuberculosis patients were often sent to
the mountains, where the fresh air was
thought to have a SALUTARY effect on
their condition.
sybaritic (sih-bar-IT-ik). Relating to selfindulgent sensuous luxury and pleasure.
Selena rubbed the suntan lotion over her
tanned middle slowly, and the whole
thing had an erotic, SYBARITIC quality
that made the men’s eyes pop out of their
heads.
1240/1316
NOUNS
apparition; or, the image of an ideal.
woes.
1241/1316
VERBS
consecrate (KON-seh-KRAYT). To
declare something sacred, true, sacrosanct, or involuble.
“It is regarded as normal to
CONSECRATE virginity in general and to
lust for its destruction in particular.”—Karl Kraus, Austrian writer
ANTONYMS
Draconian (drah-KONE-ee-an). Strict;
mean-spirited; excessively harsh; cruel;
punishment or restriction meant to cause
misery to those receiving it.
Ophelia was distraught over the
DRACONIAN way that her father forced
her to stay with her chaperone
1242/1316
throughout their vacation on the Greek
Isles.
V
211. Verdant
(VUR-dant), adjective
Lush with trees, bushes, ferns, and other
green foliage.
ADJECTIVES
environment.
1244/1316
effusive (eh-FEW-siv). Profuse and overflowing, without reservation.
In an effort to butter up the senator, the
lobbyist was transparently EFFUSIVE in
his praise of the new bill.
florid (FLOOR-id). Excessively ornate
and showy, as prose.
“All men are really most attracted by the
beauty of plain speech, and they even
write in a FLORID style in imitation of
this.”—Henry David Thoreau, American
1245/1316
NOUNS
fecundity (Fe-KUN-di-tee). A person,
organization, resource, or activity that is
exceptionally productive, creative, fertile,
or fruitful.
“Blistering heat suddenly took the place
of Carboniferous moisture and
FECUNDITY.”—Simon Winchester, British author and journalist
fruition (froo-ISH-un). The completion
of a task; the achievement of a goal as the
result of significant and persistent effort.
John Nash, a mathematician whose life
was featured in A Beautiful Mind,
received the Nobel Prize for the
1246/1316
FRUITION of his work in game theory
decades after he completed it.
renaissance (REN-ah-sonce). A period
of great learning, thinking, and creativity—in art, literature, science, economics,
and philosophy.
We were so pleased by the
RENAISSANCE of wealth acquisition that
arose during the closing years of the
twentieth century.
ANTONYMS
defoliate (dee-FOH-lee-ayt). To strip
bare of leaves.
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military DEFOLIATED large parts of the
country.
1247/1316
hoary (HOAR-ee). Impressively old;
ancient.
“Feminism has tried to dismiss the femme
fatale as a misogynist libel, a HOARY
cliché. But the femme fatale expresses
women’s ancient and eternal control of
the sexual realm.”—Camille Paglia,
American author, feminist, and social
critic
stagnation (stag-NAY-shin). The condition of being inactive or the slowing of forward progress or lessening of activity.
“Economists’ statistical techniques are
not refined enough to analyze unambiguously the causes of this long-term
STAGNATION.”—Jeff Madrick, director
of policy research at the Schwartz Center
1248/1316
for Economic Policy Analysis, The New
School.
212. Virtuous
(VUR-choo-us), adjective
Having or characterized by righteousness
or moral virtue.
ADJECTIVES
exemplary (ig-ZEM-pluh-ree). Serving
as an example or model; worth imitating
by others.
William’s EXEMPLARY behavior was
repeated so frequently and embellished so
1249/1316
enthusiastically, that the rest of us eventually turned to a life of crime.
inculpable (in-KUHL-puh-bull). Blameless; guiltless.
Because John wasn’t at the drinking
party, he was deemed INCULPABLE.
seraphic (si-RAF-ik). Characteristic of a
seraph; angelic.
Underneath her SERAPHIC appearance,
Marjorie actually had a heart of gold.
NOUNS
probity (proh-bi-tee). Integrity; uprightness in one’s dealings with others; complete honesty.
1250/1316
The new parents were convinced that by
setting a good example, their child would
grow up to embrace the virtues of cleanliness and PROBITY.
rectitude (REHK-ti-tood). Conduct
according to moral principles; moral virtue; strict honesty; rightness.
“The mind that’s conscious of its
RECTITUDE, / Laughs at the lies of
rumor.”—Ovid, Roman poet
truthful.
Your Honor, I ask that the defense’s
assertion that none of the prosecution’s
witnesses are VERACIOUS be stricken
from the record.
1251/1316
ANTONYMS
“Only a government that is rich and safe
can afford to be a democracy, for democracy is the most expensive and
NEFARIOUS kind of government ever
heard of on earth.”—Mark Twain, American humorist and writer
peccadillo (pek-uh-DIL-oh). A slight
offense; trifling fault, indiscretion.
Bob knew that shoplifting the package of
gum was just a PECCADILLO, but his
secret tormented him for his entire adult
life.
1252/1316
213. Visage
(VIZ-aj), noun
Face or overall appearance.
NOUNS
countenance (KOWN-teh-nanss).
Appearance, particularly the expression
on one’s face.
Cervantes’s Don Quixote is sometimes
referred to as the Knight of the Doleful
COUNTENANCE.
face (FAYSS). The front part of the head,
including the forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks,
mouth, and chin. One’s facial expression.
1253/1316
Your FACE reminds me of the expressions
on classical statues from ancient Greece.
Your expression is timeless.
mien (MEEN). A person’s look or
manner.
Dan’s country-bumpkin MIEN effectively
hides his shrewd business tactics.
physiognomy (fizz-ee-AH-no-mee).
One’s face as an expression of one’s character. The features of your face that show
what kind of a person you are.
”You’re either sexy or you’re not. I’m very
self-conscious about my
PHYSIOGNOMY.”—Bobby Darin, American singer
1254/1316
tête-à-tête (TET-ah-tet). A face-to-face
meeting.
Some of us had begun to believe that our
servants were pilfering from us, so we sat
down with the allegedly guilty parties
and had a TÊTE-À-TÊTE.
VERBS
envisage (en-VIZ-ij). To envision, imagine, or create a mental picture.
“I don’t ENVISAGE collectivism. There is
no such animal, it is always individualism.”—Gertrude Stein, American author
overlook (OH-ver-LUK). Don’t notice,
either unintentionally or, more often,
intentionally.
1255/1316
Robert was so devoted to his two-yearold son that he tended to OVERLOOK the
boy’s exhibitions of spoiled brattiness.
ANTONYMS
androgynous (Ann-DRAH-gen-us).
Something or someone who is sexless; of
indeterminate sex; or hermaphrodite
(having characteristics of both a male and
a female).
The models at fashion week were so
ANDROGYNOUS that Katherine couldn’t
tell if the clothes were designed for men
or women.
make inconspicuous.
1256/1316
W
214. Waif
(WAFE), noun
A stray person or animal.
ADJECTIVES
bereft (beh-REFT). Lacking a certain
characteristic, possession, or trait; isolated and lonely.
“A woman moved is like a fountain
troubled. / Muddy, ill-seeming, thick,
BEREFT of beauty, / And while it is so,
none so dry or thirsty / Will deign to sip
1258/1316
or touch one drop of it.”—William
Shakespeare
impecunious (im-puh-KYOON-ee-us).
To be poor or broke; to have little or no
money.
Alex has been raving about his
IMPECUNIOUS state ever since his trust
fund was cut from $25,000 to $20,000
per month.
Lilliputian (lil-ee-PEW-shun). Small in
Jules Vern’s LILLIPUTIAN appearance
pusillanimous (pyoo-suh-LAN-ihmuss). Being mild or timid by nature; a
1259/1316
shrinking violet; a person who seeks to
avoid conflict, challenge, and danger.
Frank L. Baum’s most PUSILLANIMOUS
fictional creation is the Cowardly Lion of
Oz.
wan (WAHN). Showing or suggesting ill
health or unhappiness.
“So shaken as we are, so WAN with care,
/ Find we a time for frighted peace to
pant.”—William Shakespeare
NOUNS
gamine (gah-MEEN). A girl with a boyish
demeanor and mischievous nature who is
somehow still appealing.
1260/1316
Her GAMINE behavior and looks only
made her that much more attractive to
teenage boys her age.
paucity (PAW-city). A lack of something,
a small supply or limited selection.
“It is very strange, and very melancholy,
that the PAUCITY of human pleasures
should persuade us ever to call hunting
one of them.”—Samuel Johnson, British
moralist and poet
VERBS
debilitate (dih-BILL-uh-tayt). To make
weak or feeble.
Several hours on the polo fields are
enough to DEBILITATE even the most
robust player.
1261/1316
ostracize (OS-truh-size). To exclude
from society, friendship, community, etc.
Once we learned that Sasha had been
planting stories about us in the society
pages, we, of course, had to OSTRACIZE
her permanently from our group.
scarify (SKAIR-ih-fy). To wound with
harsh criticism.
We deemed it necessary to SCARIFY
Eileen for having the nerve to criticize
our fashion sense.
ANTONYMS
1262/1316
insouciant (in-SOO-see-unt). Acting as
if one has not a care in the world; free of
worry and angst.
We are never INSOUCIANT about our
wealth because we must work at all times
to ensure its protection.
vivacious (vy-VAY-shuss). Joyful; happy,
spirited; possession a positive attitude
about and enthusiasm for life; a person
who lives life to the fullest.
Even after her family maintained some
steep revenue losses, Sandra retained her
VIVACIOUS character.
1263/1316
215. Warn
(WAWRN), verb
To caution others about a danger,
impending evil, misfortune, etc.; to urge
or advise to exercise care; caution.
ADJECTIVES
premonitory (preh-MAHN-ih-tor-ee).
Strongly indicative of or intuiting that
something is going to happen.
The Harrisons sold their stock in that
company because they had a
PREMONITORY vision that the company
would soon go bankrupt.
1264/1316
NOUNS
caveat (KAV-ee-ott). A precaution or
warning.
Before Arthur applied to college, his sister
offered him a CAVEAT: “Many of us do
not consider Columbia to be a true Ivy
League school.”
harbinger (HAR-bin-jer). A forerunner
or warning sign of a future event or trend.
The asteroid’s shadow blotted out the sun
as it speeded on a collision course with
Earth, a HARBINGER of impending
doom.
portent (POR-tent). A warning sign that
something bad is going to happen.
1265/1316
In Ray Bradbury’s novel Something
Wicked This Way Comes, the carnival
coming to town is a PORTENT of evil
things to come.
VERBS
admonish (ad-MON-ish). To warn; caution against specific faults; to advise;
exhort.
On our first day, the counselor
ADMONISHED all campers to avoid the
poison ivy, the deep end of the lake, and
the scrambled eggs.
betoken (bee-TOE-ken). To serve as a
warning.
For Mary and Paul, the breakdown of
their new car while they were still two
1266/1316
hours away from their summer home
BETOKENED a disastrous vacation.
presage (press-ij). To foretell or indicate.
Such provocation may PRESAGE armed
conflict in the region.
ANTONYMS
dissemble (diss-SEM-bul). To act with
an insincere or disguised motive.
Although many on the committee were
convinced that the undersecretary was
DISSEMBLING about how much he knew
of rebel activities, there was no hard
proof to support this view.
obscure (uhb-SKYOOR). To make
unclear or conceal by confusing.
1267/1316
The official explanation OBSCURED the
fact that a number of people had been
hurt by using the product in the way it
was intended.
216. Wayfaring
(WAY-fair-ing), adjective
Traveling on foot.
ADJECTIVES
circuitous (sir-CUE-uh-tuss). Extremely
twisty and winding; indirect.
Blanche called it a shortcut, but her
CIRCUITOUS directions caused us to
arrive very late at the debutante ball.
1268/1316
peripatetic (per-ih-pa-TET-ik). Wandering from career to career, job to job, company to company, or place to place,
seemingly without a clear goal or definiteness of purpose.
lifestyle.
serpentine (SUR-pen-teen). Snake like
in shape or movement.
“For it is not possible to join
SERPENTINE wisdom with columbine
innocency, except men know exactly all
the conditions of the serpent.”—Francis
Bacon, English philosopher, author, and
statesman
1269/1316
NOUNS
wanderlust (WON-dehr-lust). A strong
Times
VERBS
aimlessly.
task to task.
1270/1316
ANTONYMS
geostationary (JEE-oh-STAY-shin-airee). Pertaining to a satellite in orbit
22,300 miles above the Earth’s surface so
that the satellite is always directly over the
same spot of ground.
Arthur C. Clark was the first to propose
that three GEOSTATIONARY satellites
orbiting Earth could provide a global
communications network effectively covering every location on the planet.
immutable (im-MYOO-tuh-bull).
Unable, or unwilling, to change.
“I don’t know what IMMUTABLE differences exist between men and women
apart from differences in their
1271/1316
genitals.”—Naomi Weisstein, American
feminist
sedentary (SED-n-tair-ee). Resting a
great deal and taking little exercise.
All we have to do is hire a personal
trainer if our SEDENTARY habits begin
to have negative effects on our wellbeing.
1272/1316
217. Weak
(WEEK), adjective
Not strong; having no strength, stamina,
vigor, power, etc.
ADJECTIVES
anemic (uh-NEE-mik). Of or pertaining
to a medical condition in which one’s
blood is deficient in red corpuscles;
extraordinarily weak.
I made a few ANEMIC efforts to get some
work done last night, but I couldn’t really
focus on the job at hand.
1273/1316
decrepit (di-KREP-it). Enfeebled or
weakened by old age; worn out; infirm.
The car’s DECREPIT appearance was
deceiving; Colin found it capable of 75
mph on the highway, and it got very good
mileage.
flaccid (FLASS-id). Lacking firmness,
stiffness, vigor, or force.
The candidate’s FLACCID speech left the
listeners unimpressed.
and animation.
1274/1316
pallid (PAL-id). A wan, sickly, washedout appearance indicating illness or weakness, or lack of energy, strength, and
vitality.
Many of us maintain a PALLID pallor
because we want to make it clear that we
do not need to go outdoors unless we so
choose.
NOUNS
infirmity (in-FUR-mih-tee). A physical
weakness or ailment; mental or moral
weakness.
Randall, get over yourself. An ingrown
toenail is annoying. It’s not an
1275/1316
INFIRMITY. You cannot park in the handicapped spot!
lassitude (LASS-ih-tood). A lack of
VERBS
attenuate (a-TEN-you-ayt). To weaken
or reduce; spread thin; to cause a decrease
in amount, value, power, or severity.
Jim’s strategy was to ATTENUATE the
impact of Joan’s accusations of
1276/1316
harassment by suggesting that she had
somehow invited his overtures.
debilitate (dih-BIIL-ih-tayt). To enfeeble
or weaken; to devitalize or deplete
strength.
Fran’s DEBILITATING illness slowly
sapped her will to live.
dilute (die-LOOT). To thin or weaken by
adding additional ingredients; to reduce
the force, strength, or effectiveness of.
Frederica never DILUTES her words.
She’ll tell you exactly how she feels.
enervate (EN-ur-vayt). To weaken; to
deprive of vitality, strength, or endurance.
The vacation’s whirlwind pace actually
served to ENERVATE Madge.
1277/1316
ANTONYMS
omnipotent (ahm-NIP-uh-tuhnt). All
powerful.
“An OMNIPOTENT God is the only being
with no reason to lie.”—Mason Cooley,
American author
puissant (PYOO-uh-suhnt). Powerful;
mighty.
“Methinks I see in my mind a noble and
PUISSANT nation rousing herself like a
strong man after sleep, and shaking her
invincible locks.”—John Milton, English
poet and historian
218. Work
(WURK), noun
1278/1316
Physical or mental effort exerted to do or
make something; labor; toil; employment.
ADJECTIVES
laborious (luh-BORE-ee-us). Requiring
a great deal of hard work and
perseverance.
Even though the years in school were
LABORIOUS, they were worth the effort
when I earned my PhD.
operose (OP-uh-roass). Laborious; tedious; industrious.
What’s the point of taking on OPEROSE
work when our social connections help us
to achieve success with little effort?
1279/1316
sedulous (SEJ-yuh-luss). Done or crafted with perseverance, diligence, and care.
The teen’s SEDULOUS labors at the
desert site were rewarded by the discovery of triceratops bones in the third week
of the dig.
yeoman (YOH-muhn). Pertaining to or
one who performs arduous tasks in a loyal
and workmanlike manner.
We promoted Helga to upstairs maid
because of her YEOMAN work ethic.
NOUNS
métier (MAY-tee-yay). One’s occupation,
profession, field of work, etc.
Since her family started one of Wall
Street’s most profitable houses, it’s only
1280/1316
natural that Ellen’s MÉTIER would be
finance.
moil (MOYL). Hard, grinding work.
The MOIL of paperwork made Sheila
long for early retirement.
sinecure (SIN-eh-KYOOR). A job or
office without regular duties but with regular pay; a position requiring minimal
labor but conveying prestige or status to
one who holds it.
Being elected as the new president of his
trade association bestowed on Bill a
much-needed SINECURE.
travail (truh-VALE). Hard work, especially work causing physical pain; the
labor of childbirth.
1281/1316
It is not surprising that, given the
TRAVAILS of the long journey westward,
some settlers opted to return East rather
than try to make a life on the frontier.
VERBS
lucubrate (LOO-kyoo-breyt). To work,
study, or write laboriously, particularly at
night.
A night owl, Phyllis always
LUCUBRATED into the wee hours.
ANTONYMS
disport (dih-SPORT). To amuse oneself.
Felicia loved to DISPORT with the proprietors of her favorite boutiques by arguing
over price.
1282/1316
diversion (dih-VUR-zhuhn). A pastime;
amusement.
“Politics is the DIVERSION of trivial men
who, when they succeed at it, become
important in the eyes of more trivial
men.”—George Jean Nathan, American
journalist and critic
219. Worthless
(WURTH-lis), adjective
Without value or worth; of no use or
importance.
1283/1316
ADJECTIVES
brummagem (BRUHM-uh-juhm).
Describes something that looks great but
performs poorly.
“Our press is certainly bankrupt in… reverence for nickel plate and
BRUMMAGEM.”—Mark Twain
nugatory (NOO-guh-tore-ee). Trifling,
worthless, and ineffective.
We spend our time with the NUGATORY
pastimes of polo, tennis on grass courts,
and weekends in Europe.
paltry (PAHL-tree). Trivial; insignificant;
worthless.
1284/1316
The PALTRY sum found in the cash
register made us regret having picked
this store for our first robbery.
picayune (pik-ee-YOON). Petty; trifling
or unimportant.
Mr. Franks apparently couldn’t be
bothered with such PICAYUNE concerns
as what color shirt to wear.
NOUNS
chaff (chaff). Worthless stuff; material to
be cast away.
I usually write for an hour straight in my
journal, knowing full well that much of
what comes out will be drivel, and allowing myself to go back later and separate
the wheat from the CHAFF.
1285/1316
cipher (SIE-fur). A person or thing
without meaning or value; a mystery; literally, the mathematical symbol for zero.
Despite the best efforts of the intelligence
community to gather evidence against
him, Doctor Lysenko remained a
CIPHER.
dregs (DREGS). The leftover, least
appealing or valuable part.
Though many in her town looked on exconvicts as the DREGS of society, it was
Debbie’s job as a social worker to try to
rehabilitate everyone who came through
her door, regardless of past history.
gimcrack (JIHM-krack). A showy object
of little or no value.
1286/1316
“Haul them off! Hide them! / The heart
winces / For junk and GIMCRACK, / for
jerrybuilt things.”—Richard Wilbur,
American poet
inutility (in-yoo-TIL-ih-tee). Something
that’s useless.
The puddle of oil beneath the car confirmed that it had become a very expensive INUTILITY.
kitsch (KIHCH). Art, artifacts, or other
objects of a cheap or junky nature produced by the popular culture.
His room was filled with KITSCH: lava
lamps, Farrah Fawcett and Cheryl Tiegs
posters, and plastic models of Frankenstein and Dracula.
1287/1316
obsolescence (ob-suh-LESS-uhnts). The
state of being no longer current or useful.
Roderick found, to his dismay, that some
of the new Maserati models had lapsed
into OBSOLESCENCE almost as soon as
they hit the showroom floor.
trumpery (TRUHM-puh-ree).
Something without value; a trifle.
The TRUMPERY that the Smythingtons
collect and call “art” is, clearly, distasteful
dreck.
VERBS
marginalize (MAR-jin-ul-eyes). To dismiss something as less important than it
actually is.
1288/1316
Francine has too many connections for us
to snub her completely, but we have done
our best to MARGINALIZE her influence.
nullify (NUHL-uh-fy). To make
something valueless or ineffective.
We keep our collections under lock and
key because, sometimes, merely breathing on them NULLIFIES their value.
ANTONYMS
heirloom (AIR-loom). A possession of
commercial or sentimental value handed
down from generation to generation.
As the oldest child, I was given the most
precious family HEIRLOOM, our old
grandfather clock, when my mother
passed away.
1289/1316
valuation (val-you-AYE-shun). The calculated worth or value of an asset, based
on a rigorous appraisal.
One of the accounting firm’s services is
business VALUATION, which provides an
accurate appraisal of what your business
would sell for if acquired.
220. Writing
(RY-ting), noun
The act of a person who writes; something
written, such as a book, letter, document,
inscription, etc.
1290/1316
ADJECTIVES
verbose (ver-BOHS). Describes a person
or composition using more words than are
needed to get the point across.
NOUNS
elegy (EL-eh-gee). A poem of lament and
praise for the dead.
“Modern ELEGIES tend to be unconvincing because the poet so clearly believes
in the immortality that an ELEGY traditionally claims for its subject.”—Edward
Mendelson, Professor of English and
1291/1316
Comparative Literature at Columbia
University
kenning (KEN-ing). A metaphorical
compound word or phrase, used often in
epic poetry.
Cliff’s letter to Natasha included such
KENNINGS as “pearl-eyed dove” and
“crinkly gowned angel.” It’s no wonder
she broke up with him soon after.
missive (MISS-iv). An official or formal
letter.
He sent out a MISSIVE informing all
employees that, henceforth, there would
be no smoking in their quarters—but he
forgot to remove the ashtrays.
1292/1316
passim (PASS-im). A word used to indicate that a given source or element is used
frequently throughout a written work.
References to a fictitious writer named
Kilgore Trout appear PASSIM in a number of Kurt Vonnegut’s novels.
verbiage (VER-bee-ij). Words; in particular, prose written to fill space and
impress others rather than communicate
ideas and information.
“There’s some white space on the back
page of the sales brochure,” the marketing manager told his ad agency, “so let’s
fill it with some VERBIAGE about service
and quality.”
1293/1316
vers libre (VERSS-LEE-breh). Free
verse, a style of poetry requiring no rhyme
or meter.
H.L. Mencken observed that VERS LIBRE
is “a device for making poetry easier to
write and harder to read.”
VERBS
elucubrate (ih-LOO-kyoo-brait). To produce a written work through lengthy,
intensive effort.
Thanks to a few hundred bucks passed
along to a classmate, Miles did not have
to ELUCUBRATE a term paper and
could, instead, attend parties with us.
euphuism (YOU-few-iz-im). Ornate,
flowery, overly elaborate language, often
1294/1316
making the exact meaning difficult to
discern.
Felicia’s words are full of EUPHUISM,
particularly when describing the architecture of her family’s various houses.
indite (in-DITE). To write or compose a
literary work.
“But if, both for your love and skill, your
name / You seek to nurse at fullest
breasts of Fame, / Stella behold, and then
begin to INDITE.”—Sir Philip Sidney,
English courtier, soldier, and poet
limn (LIM). To outline in detail, portray
in words.
With all of the expressive terms he could
muster, the theologian proceeded to
LIMN an exposition of the pious life.
1295/1316
paraphrase (PAIR-uh-frayz). A restatement of a text or passage with a new
meaning or as a clarification.
To call this work a new translation of the
original Greek texts is an overstatement;
it is a capable, but by no means groundbreaking, effort to PARAPHRASE existing English editions.
ANTONYMS
legible (LEJ-uh-bull). Capable of being
read.
John’s handwriting was LEGIBLE but his
prose was incomprehensible.
peruse (puh-ROOZ). To read through
with attention; to examine with an eye to
detail.
1296/1316
The witness PERUSED the document for
some time, then declared that it was not
the one he had signed.
See also: Language
X
221. Xenophile
(ZEN-uh-file), noun
Someone who is attracted to foreign
styles, customs, manners, etc.
ADJECTIVES
geopolitical (gee-oh-poh-LIH-tih-kull).
Anything having to do with the politics
affecting the relationships of two or more
countries, especially when influenced by
geographical factors.
1298/1316
GEOPOLITICAL instability in the Middle
East is fueling rising crude oil prices.
geostationary (GEE-oh-STAY-shin-airee). An object orbiting a larger body that
synchronizes its movement with that of
the body so it always remains in the same
position relative to it.
Arthur C. Clarke was the first to propose
that three GEOSTATIONARY satellites
orbiting Earth could provide a global
communications network effectively covering every location on the planet.
NOUNS
The process of adapting to a different
culture.
1299/1316
Just because sushi makes me queasy
doesn’t mean I’m opposed to
ACCULTURATION.
gazetteer (gaz-ih-TEERr). A geographical index or dictionary of places organized by name.
The Rothschilds prefer their pilot simply
head for the sun, rather than consult a
GAZETTEER prior to short flights.
globalization (glow-bull-ih-ZAY-shin).
The movement toward a true world economy with open and free trading across
national borders.
“Proponents of GLOBALIZATION insist
that, as trade and investment move
across borders, economic efficiencies
raise the standards of living on both sides
1300/1316
of the exchange.”—Arthur Goldwag,
American author
humanism (HEW-man-iz-um). The
intervention.
taste, and belief in the human
race.”—E.M. Forster, English novelist
jaunt (JAWNT). A short journey taken
for pleasure.
Nicole plans to take a JAUNT across the
southern tip of Africa next year.
1301/1316
VERBS
gallivant (GAL-ih-vant). To wander
widely; to constantly travel to many different places, without an itinerary or plan; to
freely go wherever and whenever the
mood strikes you, and doing so frequently.
Some accuse us of GALLIVANTING
around the world, but cultural knowledge
is de rigueur for cocktail conversation.
ANTONYMS
apartheid (uh-PART-hyt). South Africa’s
former government-sanctioned policy of
segregation and racial discrimination.
Since APARTHEID ended in 1994, South
Africa has elected three native African
presidents.
1302/1316
jingoism (JIN-go-iz-um). Extreme
nationalism, backed up by the explicit or
implied threat of military force; more
broadly, extreme enthusiasm and support
for an idea or position without being open
to contrary arguments or notions.
We cannot countenance JINGOISM, especially since it has such a negative impact
on overseas markets.
1303/1316
xenophobic (zee-nuh-FOE-bik). Having
an irrational fear of foreigners and
immigrants.
yokel (YOH-kuhl). A gullible inhabitant
of a rural area.
“[A human being] is the YOKEL par excellence, the booby unmatchable, the king
dupe of the cosmos.”—H.L. Mencken,
American magazine editor, essayist, and
critic
Y
222. Yare
(YAIR), adjective
Quick and agile; lively.
ADJECTIVES
particular pursuit.
“that Will thinks his ADROIT operasinging abilities will impress women.”
1305/1316
about something.
Marcus.
effusive (eh-FEW-siv). Profuse and overflowing, without reservation.
In an effort to butter up the senator, the
lobbyist was transparently EFFUSIVE in
his praise of the new bill.
1306/1316
NOUNS
élan, (a-LON). Enthusiasm, energy, flair,
zest.
1307/1316
author
VERBS
humiliations GAMBOL on sunny afternoons.”—W.H. Auden, Anglo-American
poet
ANTONYMS
bovine (BO-vyn). Anything related to or
reminiscent of cows or other dull, docile,
slow-moving, grazing mammals.
1308/1316
“The cow is of the BOVINE ilk; One end is
moo, the other, milk.”—Ogden Nash,
American poet
Earth.
etiolate (EE-tee-uh-layt). To cause to
become weak and appear sickly.
Over time, Brad’s excesses—and his
refusal to see a plastic surgeon—increasingly ETIOLATED his once-handsome
appearance.
1309/1316
lugubrious (loo-GOO-bree-us). Pessimistic, emotionally downtrodden, spiritually
low, sad, or depressed.
Prozac failed to ameliorate the patient’s
LUGUBRIOUS outlook on life.
morose (muh-ROHSS). Gloomy and illhumored.
Now that his parents have taken away
his private plane, Anthony has become
positively MOROSE.
Z
223. Zephyr
(ZEFF-uhr), noun
A gentle breeze.
ADJECTIVES
environment.
caducous (kuh-DOO-kuss). Transitory;
short-lived; perishable.
1311/1316
“Some thing, which I fancied was a part
of me, falls off from me and leaves no
scar. It was CADACOUS.”—Ralph Waldo
transcendentalist
gossamer (GOSS-uh-muhr). Something
delicate, light, and flimsy that will flutter
in the slightest breeze.
Fairies flitted among the flowers on
GOSSAMER wings.
VERBS
burgeon (BURR-jin). To sprout, to grow;
to blossom and flourish.
Natalia does her part for the
BURGEONING “green” movement by
1312/1316
having her gardener turn manure from
her stables into fertilizer.
ANTONYMS
miasma (my-AZ-mah). An unhealthy
atmosphere or environment; an unpleasant feeling pervading the air.
“These appearances, which bewilder you,
are merely electrical phenomena not
uncommon—or it may be there they have
their ghastly origin in the rank MIASMA
of the tarn.”—Edgar Allan Poe, American
author and poet
odoriferous (oh-duh-RIFF-er-us). Badsmelling; foul.
Eleanor believed she would enjoy her
weekend trek through the South
1313/1316
American rainforest, but she found the
animals too noisy, the constant rain
unpleasant, and the forest’s
ODORIFEROUS vegetation distasteful.
Copyright © 2014 by F+W Media, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used
in published reviews.
Published by
Adams Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc.
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www.adamsmedia.com
ISBN 10: 1-4405-7311-5
ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-7311-8
eISBN 10: 1-4405-7312-3
eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-7312-5
Contains material adapted and abridged from
Roget’s Thesaurus of Words for Intellectuals by
David Olsen, Michelle Bevilacqua, and Justin Cord
Hayes, copyright © 2011 by F+W Media, Inc.,
ISBN 10: 1-4405-2898-5, ISBN 13:
1315/1316
978-1-4405-2898-9; and The Words You Should
Know to Sound Smart by Robert W. Bly, copyright
© 2009 by Robert W. Bly, ISBN 10:
1-59869-886-9, ISBN 13: 978-1-59869-886-2.
Many of the designations used by manufacturers
and sellers to distinguish their product are claimed
as trademarks. Where those designations appear
in this book and F+W Media was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed
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Roget`s Thesaurus of Words for Writers

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